What's in a name?

What's in a name? Or maybe the question should be WHO's in a name?

I would venture to say that when people find out that they are expecting a baby, great care is given in selecting a name for that child. For that which is expected to come. Some parents choose a particular name because it has a nice ring to it. It is pleasing to their ears.

Some parents choose a name because it reminds them of someone or something that was near and dear to them. They want to be reminded of that person or thing every time the child's name is mentioned. Maybe they are hoping that the baby will grow to have the same beloved characteristics of the one for whom they were named. A reflection of that person or thing.

Some parents name their baby paying careful attention to the meaning of the name itself. They use that name to speak prophetically over their child. This is who we want you to become. This is who we believe you are. These are the characteristics and virtues we want you to display.

Often, when parents choose a name, they use a combination of these methods. For example, the newest member to our family, our granddaughter, Abbigale Grace, was named because her parents liked the sound of her name. She also shares her beloved great-grandmother's middle name. Lastly, her name speaks prophetically over who she is and who her mom and dad hope she becomes (Joy of the Father and Grace of God).

In getting to know a person and building a relationship with them, you first know them by their given name. As you spend time with them, you get to see who they really are. You discover new and interesting things about them that you didn't know before. As they grow and mature in who they are (and who God intends them to be), you learn and appreciate even more about them. You develop a richer understanding of that person, where they came from, and perhaps, even where they are headed. You see that the person they are today is a result of where they have been and what they have encountered along the way. You begin to see new possibilities in them. In yourself. They become a multi-faceted jewel to you. A precious treasure. If you have a deep appreciation for that person, you try to become like them yourself. You might even be drawn into a deeper love relationship of marriage with that person.

Now...

Have you ever thought about God in this way? Is He more than just a name to you? What about His son, Jesus? Or the Holy Spirit? Do their names have meaning to you? Have you taken the time to be around them? To build a relationship with them? To learn more about WHO they are and what motivates them to do the things they do? Does the thought of God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit bring pleasure to you? Do you appreciate them for who they are, what they've done, where they've been and where they will go? Do you love them? Do they love you? Have they become your treasure? Do you want to change and become like them? Do you want to enter into a deeper relationship and take on their name?

If you have answered "yes", how far will you go? How deep will you dig to find this treasure? You can start with a name...the Name of Jesus.