What's in a name? Have you ever thought of that? Think of some common names: John, Sarah, Mary, David
When we see a name we associate what is familiar to us with that name. Have you ever thought, "I would never name my child----?" Why? Because we have known someone with that name who hurt us, or who wasn't a good example. We see a person, their character, right in the name. Who someone is becomes synonymous with their name. “A good name is more precious than gold.” (E. G. White, Counsels on Health, p. 415) The Bible says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” (Pro. 22:1) “The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” (Pro. 10:7) There's two sides to a name--who the person is and who they should be. Every name has a meaning. For example: My name means: From the Royal Meadow, Royalty; Follower of Christ Spiritual Connotation: Seeker of Truth, Gracious Spirit, Noble One; God’s Reflection That sounds like a high calling, doesn't it? When people think of our name they might associate it with all our flaws, mistakes, and shortcomings, but God wants us to see within our calling--a calling to a higher standard--within our very name. You can look at the meaning of my name in two ways. #1 I'm a spoiled princess who is stuck-up, OR #2 I'm a pilgrim on earth who is from the heavenly country--the true royal meadow--and who shows by deportment, speech, and character from whence she comes. The 1st point is obviously something to be shunned by every one who holds this name while the 2nd is a glorious high calling to which we must all seek to reach. “Great significance was attached to the names given by Hebrew parents to their children. Often these stood for traits of character that the parent desired to see developed in the child.” (E. G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 481) What's in your name? What calling has God given you within your very name? Every name has a meaning, even the ones that seem negative can be turned to something beautiful. God says, “I know thee by name...” (Ex. 33:12) “I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” “I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” (Isa. 43:1; 49:16) There’s another side to “what’s in a name” that I want to look at, and that’s God’s name. Psalm 9:10 says, "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Ps. 124:8) “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Pro. 18:10) Those who know God’s name put their trust in Him. What’s in God’s name? Jesus is called:
What's in God's name? Our very salvation. The Lord says, “I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.” (Ps. 91:14) "The disciples were to carry their work forward in Christ's name. Their every word and act was to fasten attention on His name, as possessing that vital power by which sinners may be saved....Christ's name was to be their watchword, their badge of distinction, their bond of union, the authority for their course of action, and the source of their success. Nothing was to be recognized in His kingdom that did not bear His name and superscription.” (E. G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 28) So what's in a name? Our calling, our salvation. “Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.” (Is. 56:5)
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SolominaEverything in life has meaning. There's a lesson in every object, every situation, every process. I want to go deeper, in a higher way. I want to listen, to understand, to know. Archives
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