What’s in a Name?

By Reverend J. Loren Russell, BA, MDiv

Isaiah‬ ‭9:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Matthew‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Whatever name you’re known by is how you are identified and how you are deferentiated from everyone else. A name gives distinction to a person, place or thing. With people, the name given to or a name taken is unique to them, even if they carry someone else’s name.

Your name is your moniker, your mark, your handle. A good name can create an honorable reputation and a bad name can create an infamous legacy. Many people carry the name of their ancestors, as in those who are named after their parents. However, each person is still responsible for creating their own legacy with their name.

In some cultures, your name is synonymous with your character. So it was with the name Jesus. His name means “Jehovah is salvation,” and it is His name that told the world His ultimate purpose, to save the world from their sins. Paul writes in the book of Philippians, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians‬ ‭2:9-11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

In the history of mankind, it was only the name of Jesus that changed the course of history and the destiny of mankind. It was this child who was promised, the child who was born, the child whose name makes every knee bow and every tongue confess that has fulfilled the prophetic. It is this child who grew to manhood and whose name was Jesus who is also wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father and the prince of peace. Everything that was promised is fulfilled in the one whose name is prominent during this season of giving and sharing.

During these holidays, our thoughts turn to giving and receiving gifts from loved ones, all because of our celebration of the birth of this child named Jesus. There are many who have not yet understood what’s in that name despite all of the evidence contained in scripture. When I read John 20:29-31, I had a better understanding of the magnitude that is the name of Jesus; “Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” ‭‭(John‬ ‭20:29-31‬ ‭NKJV)‬‬

What’s in a name? If it’s the name of a Jesus, in addition to what I’ve already shared, you need to know that the government is on His shoulders, that life and salvation are in His name, and that He is the real reason for the season.

God Bless +++

Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial &. Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen by phone” at 626-226-1448. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The Book at Book Blues.