His Name

What’s significant about names?  Mr. Bill and I both have family names, and all our boys are named after someone specific: John Daniel (Danny) after grandfathers, William Dennis (Dennis) after great-grandfathers, and Dustin Neal (Dustin) after a surrogate great uncle. We were delighted to learn our granddaughter would be named Ella Marie after two great-grandmothers.  What a neat way to remember those who came before us!

God’s Name is unlike any other!  In ancient times, special meaning was attached to a name and it shouldn’t surprise anyone how throughout Scripture God reveals Himself in His Names; it’s how we understand Who He really is!  Embracing the very Nature of God increases our depth of worship and helps us exalt Him in our lives. Nehemiah wrote, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God forever and ever: and blessed be Thy glorious Name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.” (9:5)  The angel gave Joseph and Mary the name for their baby, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and call His name Emmanuel … interpreted is God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)  Isaiah penned remarkable insight into the Nature of the coming King, “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (9:6)  Those born-again know Him as Emmanuel, God with Us, but [sadly] not all Believers call Him Lord (Master): that comes only through a personal intimate relationship with Christ.  I challenge you this Season to consider if you know Him as Most High God, All Sufficient One, Lord of Peace, Father, Shepherd, Lord and Master.  God is not an “it” or a “thing.”  No, He is Elohim, Almighty Creator, and He knows us by our name -- we should know Him by His!