What’s In A Name Anyway?
So last week’s devotion about the song Name got me thinking.
What’s in a name? I have had the privilege of naming two children. It wasn’t easy. My wife and I poured over books and web pages. After all, you only get one chance to give a child a name will be central to their existence for as many years as God blesses them with. The names we rejected were many more than the names we considered. What did we choose?
Natasha – which means “Birthday” is the diminutive of Natalya or Natalia (Natalie), which derives itself from Nativity. It was a traditional girls name for Christmas children. Fun fact, it also means “Grateful one” in Bemba (Zambia)
And
Grayson – which means “Son of the King’s Steward” and derives itself from the Highlands. More literally is means “Son of a Gray Haired Man” or “Son of Wisdom” I pray my son will see me as the first or the last one, but more than likely, I will be stuck in the middle….because of you….or more than likely, your children!
What does your name mean? It’s fun to search out a names history.
Have you thought about what God’s name means? In the Bible the names given to God tell us a lot about who He is:
The Lord will provide – Genesis 22:14
I AM who I AM – Exodus 3:13-15
The Lord Heals – Exodus 15:26
The Lord is our Banner – Exodus 17:15
The Lord who Sanctifies – Leviticus 20:7-8
The Lord is our Peace – Judges 6:24
The Lord is our Shepherd – Psalms 23:1
The Lord is our Righteous Savior – Jeremiah 23:6
The Lord is Present – Ezekiel 48:35
The Lord is our Father – Romans 8:15
The Lord is our Master – 1 Samuel 24:8
The Beginning (Alpha) and End (Omega) – Revelation 22:13
The Ancient of Days – Daniel 7
The God that Sees – Genesis 16
Elohim – The Mighty One – Genesis and beyond
God Most High – Psalm 57:2
Jesus – Luke 2:21
and perhaps my favorite – A Friend of Sinners – Matthew 11:19
This week I would encourage you to take some time and consider what’s in a name.
After all, the Bible says
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)
He knows your name, spend some time thinking about His.
See you Sunday,
-Pastor Dan