What's In A Name

  

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:9-11

 

In the late sixties, I was part of the Hippie generation. When I was 19, I lived in a commune in central Vermont. I remember several of my friends who had babies gave them unusual names. I remember three little girls in particular: Stone Pony, Rain Drop, and Isis. I am in my 70s,' they must be in their 50s,' I wonder how they feel about their names now? That's the thing about names; once you have one, they are not easy to get rid of.

            Names are important. They are more than something to put on your nametag. Our names often connect us to our family. Perhaps you are named after a family member or a distant loved one. Some people like their name, and some cover it over with a nickname. Author Dale Carnegie said that we love the sound of our name. Kate DiCamillo, the author of the classic The Tale of Despereaux, said, "There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name."

            As we look through Scripture, we see that names were not simply passed out to people, but a person's name meant something. There was no name more significant than the name of Jesus. His was the name above all names (Phil. 2:9). There is salvation in no other name (Acts 4:12). Before His birth, His mother was told that His name would mean He will save us from our sins (Matt. 1:21).

            The name of Jesus is not the name of someone in the past. Jesus is with you now. Draw close to that name and rest in the peace and safety it brings. Names will come and go, but the name of Jesus will last forever. It will never lose its power to save, heal, deliver and set free. After all, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8)

           

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website: www.growthcenter.net.    © 2022 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the author's written permission.