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LOST RIVER CHURCH OF CHRIST | |||||||
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A New Nameby Lawrence Kelley
People with a utilitarian turn of mind may think that naming is an inefficient waste of energy that could be saved if we all just went by our Social Security number, but the Bible actually gives considerable emphasis to the importance of names and the act of naming. Adam's first job was as a taxonomist; he was to name the animals. This exercise revealed that among the animals there was none he could give his name to. After this realization God fashioned a creature from his side to whom Adam gave the name woman, because she was taken out of man. He later added to this the name Eve because she was the mother of all living. The significance of naming is seen again when God changed Abram's name from Abram to Abraham because he was to become more than an "exalted father," he was to be "the father of many nations."Stress on names is highlighted in the story of Jacob whose name meant supplanter or swindler. He lived up to his name. He took his brother's birthright, He deceived his father in order to steal his brother's blessing. Later, when the Angel of the Lord asked his name and he replied that his name was Jacob, the Angel replied that he would no longer be known as Jacob, but as Israel, "Prince of God." When his name was changed, he was changed, his heart was changed and his behavior was never the same again. Isaiah was very concerned with the importance of naming; he named his two sons with the future of Israel in mind, and both were types of Christ. He would be Maher-shalal-hash-baz that is the Christ would speed to the spoil and be quick to the plunder. He would also be Shear-ja-shub that is, the remnant who returns. But it is in Ch. 7 that we climb the Everest of naming "The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." It is because He is Immanuel - God with us; that he can also be called Jesus meaning Savior; for who but God with us could save His people from their sins? But still Isaiah isn't through. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this" (Isa 9:6-7). Even this does not exhaust the names of Jesus. For He is elsewhere called: Alpha & Omega, Author & Finisher, I Am, Advocate, Mediator, Shepherd and Bishop of Souls, Faithful Witness, Living Water, Bread of Life, Physician, The Beloved Son, Light of the Word, Image of the Invisible God, Bridegroom, Cornerstone, Lamb of God, Lion of the tribe of Judah, Servant, King of Kings, Bright Morning Star, Door, The way, The truth, The Life... Indeed, Jesus has been given the name above all names. Jesus also gives names. He gave Simon the name Peter - the rock. Those the world knew as tax collectors, zealots and fishermen He called disciples. Those called sinners, Jesus called companions. Those called immoral, Jesus called forgiven. A crucified thief he named an heir of the paradise of God. What names have people called you? What names have you called yourself? This is why it is vital for you to understand the significance of the name Jesus Christ. Joseph was commanded to "Name Him Jesus for He will save his people from their sins." Because His name is Jesus - the Christ, and because you have been joined to Him by faith at baptism, your sins are forgiven, all those old names no longer need apply because the only name you have now that really matters is this one. You are Christian. In Is. 56:5b "God says, "I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off," and in 62:2b "You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow." His love is transforming and makes you brand new. Your new name is a sign of the new you. When we commit our lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we receive a new birth and become new creations; we get new hearts and sing a new song. Let us not bear His name in vain. |
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Copyright © 2006, Lost River
Church of Christ |
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