What's In Your Name?

 

Shakespeare is known for a lot of well-crafted prose, but this line is probably the most familiar to us all. 

He simply meant that any old label will do to distinguish one thing from another. 

Lovely as it sounds, tis just not true.

Names significantly meant something in the Scripture: a name spoke of character; it spoke of whom one belonged; and, it often spoke of the god/God that one served. 

Even today, new parents look closely at the meaning of a name before assigning it to their child. 

Names impact our identity, how we view ourselves, and can, even, influence how we are treated by others.

So, it was unusual that the child born to Zechariah and Elizabeth not at least be called by a family name. 

Yet, the angel that visited Zechariah (Gabriel - the chief of God's messengers) insisted that the name of the one who would one day be referred to as the "baptizer" be called JOHN.

John. Yohanan (Hebrew), meaning "Jehovah has graced;" or, "Jehovah brings grace."

Think about it.

Every time John walked into a room, or stood before a crowd, or rebuked King Herod - his name declared the grace of our loving God.

John's name, alone, was an invitation to step into that very same grace God offers to bring all men...

He really didn't have to open his mouth except to give his name.

On top of that, it's exactly how John lived his life by introducing the One who would reveal to us all Saving Grace. 

A lot of us can't really do much about the name we were given at birth, nor would we want to do so; but, it's made me wonder, when I step into a room, does the way I live point to my Savior?

When folks hear my name, what character quality do they think of? Or to whom would they say I belong? Or better yet, what do they think of the Lord when they think about me? 

Why is this important?

Because the Lord makes it clear that He created us to reflect His glory.

What does that mean? Very simply put, we reflect the glory of God when we give someone else a correct opinion of Him, a true understanding of His character, a taste of His splendor and awe.

John's name reminds us all: 

"What's in a name"really does matter, because by that name the Lord is distinguished. 

What do people think about the Lord when they hear your name? 

It matters. 

P.S. There will be no new blog next week - enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration.