What's In a Name?

How important is the name given to us at birth? Does it make a difference in our lives as adults? A lot of us were named after another member of our family, or a friend or someone famous.

Our name often times defines who we are (our character). Names are important to God. We see in the Old Testament where God appeared to Jacob and changed his name to Israel, Genesis 35:10. Israel became the father of many nations.

In the New Testament, we see several names that were changed. In Mark, the third chapter starting with verse 14, Jesus ordained twelve and gave them power to heal the sick and cast out devils. In verse 16 thru 19 he gave them new names. After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus became Paul the Apostle. He became a great missionary.

There is one name that was not changed, but was assigned even before He was conceived. That name is Jesus. It is the name above all names, it is all powerful. He is Jesus Christ the Messiah. He is the Savior of all mankind. In that name is forgiveness, forgiveness, freedom, liberty, deliverance, hope and everlasting life.

What’s in a name? In the name of Jesus, EVERYTHING!!