Right from the inception of time, humans have been known and identified by names. Genesis 2:19 describes how God brought all the animals to Adam to give names but before the assignment, God made sure the man also is known and identified by a name, Adam.
A person’s name is their identity and living up to one’s name is still a meaningful concept in today’s world. Proverbs 22:1 says a good name is worth more than silver or gold.
In some cultures, especially African and Middle Eastern cultures, a name can be the most valuable asset or possession a person or a family own, and they do everything to protect that name from being tarnished or destroyed.
A person’s name represents their reputation, their family, their business, their legacy and their inheritance. People could speak or act in the name of someone because the name represents authority and power.
In Biblical times and some cultures, names have meaning and significance and can sometimes shape a person’s destiny. There are circumstances or events surrounding the names people are given. The event could be political, spiritual, economical, family connection or just personal preference.
For example, in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Jabez’s mother gave him the name meaning “pain” because probably his conception and or birth was difficult and may have probably caused her or others pain.
Other popular biblical names with significant meanings are:
Adam was the first man or man of the earth; Eve meaning to live or mother of all living things; Abraham was the father of many nations; Benjamin was the son of his father’s right hand; Judah meaning Praise – This was Leah in Genesis 29:35 when she gave birth to a son, she said “This time I will praise the LORD. So, she named him Judah”.
Some cultures in Africa are known to name children after events. For example, in Ghana children are named according to the days of the week they are born. In some parts of Nigeria, they are named according to events that were happening during their birth. Like a festive celebration, a death in the family. They also have specific names for twins and those born after them, for those born abroad or a foreign country and so on.
So, what about the name Jesus?
What makes the name Jesus so special that over the past 2000 years, more and more people have come to hear and know of the name more than any other name on planet earth?
What is so great about the name Jesus that millions pray to, worship, sing songs to and invoke the name again and again?
And what makes the name so righteous and sacred that God said in Exodus 20:7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain”?
So, what’s in a name? It is not so much about the name but who is behind the name!… this we will discuss in part two.
Stay blessed,
Alex
Hills and Valleys 