28th May 2024
What is in a name?
According to Wikipedia my name Anne, alternatively spelled Ann, is the Latin female given name Anna. This in turn is a representation of the Hebrew Hannah, which means ‘Favour’ or ‘Grace.’ A related name can also be Annie. Favour and grace are truly what I received from God. My mother spelt my name as it is so that no one would call me Annie, but this is what everyone automatically calls me. Sorry, mum, I have no control over this.
So, what is in a name? Most parents dwell on the meaning of a name. I know I thought well over the names of my children. There are some who do not, unfortunately. I heard once that someone named their child ‘Bunny Rabbit’. What would possess someone to do this? The Father of us all chose the name of his Son, Jesus. I am sure he carefully chose this. Jesus comes from the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means ‘to deliver or to rescue, a saviour.’ In Matthew 1:21, we are told Jesus will save his people from their sins. This he has truly accomplished.
The name of Jesus is to be honoured and respected. Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT) reads: ‘Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ In the name of Jesus, Peter healed the lame (Acts 3:6, 16). People are baptised in the name of Jesus (Acts 10:48), and demons are cast out in his name (Acts 16:18). It is said that there is power in the name of Jesus, but it is not the name Jesus itself; for many still use that name today, but it is the Son of God, Jesus himself, that has that power and authority. John 17:11 (NIV) says, ‘I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.’ The power of the name is the authority behind the name. The name connected to our Father in heaven.
I do not know how much influence God has over our parents choosing our names, but we know that God at times changes a name to reveal a new life or new authority in our lives, such as Abram being called Abraham (Genesis 17:1-5) meaning ‘the father of a nation.’ Matthew 16:17-18 talks of Jesus giving the name Peter to Simon. Jesus declared that Peter would be a great leader for the church that God was building on earth. I do not know the new name spoken of in Revelation 2:17 for us, but I do know that we have all been given a new name – sons and daughters. This I highly treasure.
Prayer
Merciful God, we thank you for your love in every detail. It is beyond our understanding now, but you will continue to open our eyes to the new things, the cherished loving things you do for us. I have been called many things in this life, but how I cherish the thought of being your child. Thank you, my precious Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church