WHAT'S IN A NAME?

In Shakespeare's famous play, Juliet asked Romeo, "What's in a name?" She then answered it by herself--"What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." Granted, fair Juliet. But you and I, as well as Romeo, are not plants! We are people, and names make a difference to people. I know people who have gone to court to change their name because of situations of dislike or necessity. For each of our four children, my wife, Amy, and I spent hours researching and discussing the names we wanted to give to them.

Even in childhood, many of us complained about our name, and gave thanks when somebody pinned a nickname on us. Most probably in later years we dropped the nickname, but at least it took us through those dangerous years when just the mention of a person's "real" name could be a declaration of war!

Results of a study of 15,000 juvenile delinquents showed those with odd or embarrassing names were in trouble four times as often as the others. Names do make a difference--if not to roses, at least to people.

Names are especially meaningful in the Bible. God named the first man Adam because he was made from the dust of the ground. God changed Abram's name to Abraham when He established the covenant of circumcision with His chosen vessel, whose new name would mean "father of many nations." When, God told Abraham and Sarah they would have a son in their old age, they laughed. Hence their son's name was Isaac, meaning "laughter." That was certainly a much happier choice than Rachel's declaration of naming her last born Ben-o-ni ("son of my sorrow"). Can you imagine going through your life with a name reminding you that your birth kiled your mother? Jacob wisely changed his last-born's name to Benjamin, which means "son of my right hand."

In the New Testament, we find Jesus changing the names of several people. Perhaps the most famous would be the declaration of Simon's new name to be Petros or Peter, which means "a rock." At the time, the fisherman looked more like shifting sand, but Jesus saw his potential, and helped him live up to his new name.

The most important names in the Bible are those associated with our Savior. During the season of our Lord's Savior. During the season of our Lord's birth we specially see the value and significance of His names.

In Matthew 1:21, the angel told Joseph, "[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua and both mean "the Lord is salvation." Each name and title of Jesus Christ in the Bible shows us a glimpse of who He is and what He wants to do for us.

Long before Jesus was born, Isaiah, a prophet of God, walked the earth. He spoke many things about the Christ, including His virgin birth, character, life, death, resurrection, and second coming. Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, Isaiah saw Him coming. He was inspired to write down his prophecy in Isaiah 9:6. "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."

Isaiah recognized this child was unique--He would be both born and given. In other words, this child was both man and God!

As man, He was born--that's the Christmas story we are celebrating at this time of year. As God, He was given--the supreme gift of love by the Father to a sinful world in need of salvation. This child would be God in human flesh (cf. Phil. 2:6-7). What would this child/Son do? He would one day take the government of mankind upon His shoulders and bring peace and order to a chaotic world filled with suffering and war. But before taking the government upon His shoulders, He would first take a cross upon His shoulders and, dying on that cross, bear the sins of the world. Before He could wear the crown of glory as King of kings, He first had to wear a shameful crown of thorns and give His life as a sacrifice.

The kingly Lion of the tribe of Judah first came as the humble Lamb of God, for until the price of sin had been paid, God's righteous government could not be established. While Isaiah 9:6-7 was fulfilled at Christ's birth and the Son was given, the fullness of Isaiah's vision is yet to be seen.

There is not much space between the words given and and in Isaian 9:6, but the space so far represents nearly 20 centuries of history. Jesus finished His Father's work here on earth at His first coming and has returned to glory, promising to come again and complete God's eternal plan. One day he will return to this earth and take the government upon His shoulders. Then Isaiah 9:7 will find completion. "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."

In light of this declaration, some of Isaiah's other prophecies include a picture of this peaceful kingdom age. Isaiah 11:4-9 and 35:5-10 are good examples of God's future plans. What a wonderful world it will be when Jesus Christ returns to take the government upon His shoulders. You and I will share in that joy, as the apostle Paul says we will reign with Him, after we are caught up to meet Him in the air in the Rapture for the Body of Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18; Phil. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:11-13). Whether we rule with Him on earth or in the heavenly realms makes no difference, for His joy will be our joy.

We don't have to wait to enjoy his reign! You and I can turn the government of our lives over to Him today! When we do, all that is expressed in His names will become real in our own experience--Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

As the apostle Paul instructs in Romans 12:1-2: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

When God has your body, mind, and will, He can reign supreme in your life. The government of your life will be on His shoulders and all He is will be shared with you as you take in the heavenly blessings promised us in Christ. The prophecy of Isaiah has both a past and future fulfillment for the world, but it also can be a profound present reality this Christmas season.

"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."

Last Updated: 12/20/1999