What's In A Name?

Names are, in fact, a commodity. They have “value” attached to them and can either be “traded” for a favor or used as a “warning.” A name distinguishes one person from another and gives a certain distinctiveness or uniqueness to individuals. Some pay particular attention to their name to make certain that it implies integrity and truth, honesty and hard work, power and influence.

Most of us, from time to time, have been asked by others if they could “use our name” as a reference or as a way of introducing themselves. They assume that our names imply a degree of “significance” for one reason or another.

So, they reason, if they are associated with us in one way or another, it will make a difference in what they want to achieve.

But human names are all limited. They only have worth in certain areas and for a certain amount of time. If people do not know us or have never heard of us, we make no difference in the scheme of things.

There is an unusual statement made about a name in Psalm 148:13b – “His name alone is exalted.”

There is a certain “exclusiveness” in this statement. Of all the names of all the people who have ever lived, only one name is to be exalted. And that is because of who He is and what He has done. All other names are flawed or contaminated for one reason or another. His name is above and beyond reproach, worthy of worship and praise because He is holy and without fault.

All of us “fall short of the glory of God” and need a “name” that we can “use” to save us. That name? Jesus!

Prayer:  Thank You, Father, for the power in Your name. It assures us of forgiveness and salvation and life eternal. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Verse:    His name alone is exalted. Psalm 148:13b