What's In A Name

Today, we take time to look at names, as we prepare for the upcoming Advent Season. Many still ask the question, “What’s in a Name?” Whatever your thoughts and feelings are about names, or however you view them, we shall all come to a more resolved understanding and greater expectations and desires, where names are concerned.

As we think of the Advent Season in personal and communal preparations, we cannot but hear these familiar words spoken by God’s heavenly messenger, concerning the Saviour of the world. She will give birth to a son and you will give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1: 21. Has it ever dawned upon you, in mesmerizing, spiritual splendour and miraculous power, how God has worked and continues to still work, with the Name of Jesus and in the Name of Jesus?

You and I know that when a child is to be born, time is spent in advance, choosing suitable names for the new arrival. I’m sure that like me, you know of people who do not want to know the sex of their child or children, beforehand. That makes the choosing of a name even more creative, attractive and excitingly joyous. However, Mary, Jesus’ mother, was given the Name to name her firstborn. 

We are reliably informed by the scholars that Jesus, is the Greek form of Yeshua, translated as Joshua, in English. The name means, the LORD saves. Jesus, is the earthly name given to the Son of God, born to an earthly virgin. Let’s focus on the name, Jesus.

Was it a special name?

Was it a spectacular name?

Was it a supernatural name?

Was it a Special Name? This name was not unique to Jesus as we have previously seen, in the name Joshua. Many other Jewish boys were called Jesus. True, it was not a name that was uncommon or unique to Mary’s Baby Boy Child, it was divinely special to Him. How is that the case? It is so, because He was born to live the meaning of His Name, preordained by God, so that no power on earth could change God’s Spoken Word, not even sin could do that.

What is your name? Why have you been given your name? It is most unlikely, nigh impossible, for you to walk into any souvenir, gift shop in the world and not find something on people’s names. This was one of my hobbies long ago, browsing at airport kiosks, cathedral gift shops and other like places, where souvenirs were to be had. It was always fascinating to see people's names, both male and female, on bookmarks and other trinkets, inscribed with the meanings of that name. Do you know the meaning of your name? Have you got something, a keyring, a mug, a bookmark or some other item which tells the meaning of your name? I never saw the Name Jesus on a keyring, for example, but the name Joshua was a common one.

Like Jesus, many other people may be called by the same name as you, so that your name may not be special or unique, in that you are not the only person in the entire world with that name. However, it can be most special to you, when the Divine Father puts His Word to your name and speaks what no man can reverse or make of nought.

Hallelujah!