Years ago, when Mark was in the insurance and investment business, he went to see a couple who were interested in buying life insurance. They were expecting their first baby and felt an urgency to purchase life insurance for the husband. Mark met with them and when he returned home from his appointment he said, “You will never guess what they are naming their little boy.” I said, “What?” “Chip.” I asked, “What is so unusual about naming the baby Chip?” He said, “Their last name is Monk.” “No,” I responded. “Why would they do such a thing, how cruel? Oh, the ridicule he’ll have to endure with a name like Chip Monk.”
Over the years, we have shared this story with many, always causing quite a belly laugh! Choosing a name for a child is often a stressful experience. Unlike the Monks, many parents to be carefully consider the name, and how others will respond to it. They determine whether or not it will be easy or difficult for the child to write, how the first name fits with the last name, and so on. Many research the definition of the names and take that into consideration when deciding on the perfect name for their new baby.
In the past few years, I have noticed a trend back to “old fashioned” names: Eleanor, Lila, Adeline, Eva, just to mention a few. Often a name is chosen to “carry on” a name that has been in the family for generations. Some young couples gladly share the name they have chosen, yet others refuse to acknowledge the name until the child is born. I believe those refusing to divulge the name they have chosen do so in order not to hear the negative responses they could possibly receive from one or both sets of grandparents!
Names hold a very important place in the lives of people. We are each known by our names. People identify us by our name. When I was growing up, my dad would call my name and I would answer. I did not answer when he called for my sister, Susan, or my brother, Paul. But, when he called Dianne, my ears perked up. I recognized my name. He identified me by my name.
When God chose a name for his Son, it had to be a name that all men would recognize as the one and only Son of God; a name that indentified the Son with the Father. It had to be a powerful name, a name like no other name, a name by which all men could be saved. His name would reflect the glory of His father and thus bring forth honor, reverence and power. For his Son, God chose the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Greek form of the name Joshua, meaning “Savior.” Christ means “the anointed one.” His name identified Him as the promised Messiah of the Old Testament.
Jesus is the Messiah and He is, also Lord. In reading through the book of Acts, I was amazed how many times it speaks of His name. Peter preaching at Pentecost says, “And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” He goes on to tell the people, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” In chapter three, we see Peter and John passing a lame man on their way to the temple. Peter looks at him and says, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth-walk! With a leap he stood upright and began to walk.” Being told by the Sadducees that they could no longer do anything in the name of Jesus, Peter responds, “Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.”
If you read through the book of Acts you will see over and over a proclamation by those who are His that they cannot work, live, or exist apart from his awesome and powerful name. Peter says, “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Peter, John, Paul, and their co-laborers, including Stephen, went on to heal, deliver, restore, and preach in the name of Jesus Christ. Stephen, as he was being stoned to death for preaching the word of God, called on His powerful name, “Lord Jesus receive my spirit!” They were all God’s witnesses, boldly proclaiming the powerful name of their Savior, Jesus Christ. They knew Him by name!
Do you know Him by name? Do you believe in the power of His name? Are you willing to lay down your life for His name sake? Is everything you do, done in the power and the name of Jesus? Are you humbled by His name? Is your spirit moved and even broken by the mention of His name? Are you identified by His name? Would others know you as one of His very own; do you carry his name?
Father, I would like to think that I would be as bold as Peter, John, Stephen and Paul, but so often my spirit is willing but my flesh is so very weak. Give me the boldness to proclaim your name and truly believe in the power that lies within your name. I want to be identified with you, my heavenly Father, as one of Your own. Thank you that I was saved by the name of Jesus Christ and I am kept by the name of Jesus Christ. I want it to be said of me, “She could not stop speaking of what she had seen and heard; so many signs and wonders done in her life through the name of God’s holy Servant Jesus.”
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
“They said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31
“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46
“For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.” Romans 14:8-9
dianne