Category Archives: Names

Bible, Messages, Names, Salvation, Scripture

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

ZEPHANIAH 1:1

“The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah:”

I am named for my two grandfathers, whom I never knew. Carl was my maternal grandfather’s first name. William was my paternal grandfather’s middle name. I am proud of my name and for what it stands for. I am, in a sense, carrying on both of my family lines with my name. Names mean something, don’t they?

So, when you come to the Old Testament, most people’s names meant something. Take for instance, the names mentioned here in the first verse of Zephaniah. (Oh, by the way, we are starting a new study today which will take us through the next 53 days.)

Zephaniah means “whom the Lord hid.” Gedaliah means “whom the Lord made great.” Amariah means “whom the Lord promised.” And Hezekiah means “whom the Lord strengthened.”

So, what does that mean for us?

APPLICATION

The most famous name ever given is found in Matthew 1:21. “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Jesus’ name meant Yahweh saves. Even His name brought the message of salvation to mankind. Every time Mary called Jesus in for dinner, she would be uttering the message.

Think on that for a minute. How many of us name our children so that we are reminded of a message from God each time we call them. I have known a lot of women named Faith or Grace. I have even known a girl named Merry Christmas (no joke). I am not telling you to go and rename your children now. That would be silly. But look up the meaning of their names if you don’t already know it. The next time you call their name, think about what that means.

I am so glad that Jesus lived up to His name, aren’t you? He was born with a message. He grew up in that message. He died giving us that message. He certainly was the salvation for man. Yahweh saves. He saved through His Son. I pray you know Him as your Savior and Lord. The next time you say His name, think about what it means. He came to save you.

Oh God, I am eternally thankful for the message written in the name of Jesus. He saves!

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Accountability, Bible, Blessing, Faithfulness, Following, Judgment, Names, Obedience, Scripture

CHILDREN’S NAMES

HOSEA 1:4

“And the LORD said to him, “Name him Jezreel; for in just a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the bloodshed of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.” 

What does your name mean? Do you know? My first name is Carl, which means “strong, manly.” I like that. My last name is Willis, which means “son of William.” Now, that doesn’t say a whole lot, does it? But what is interesting is my middle name is William. Carl was my maternal grandfather’s name and William was my paternal grandfather’s name. They both died before I was born, so I never knew them. I wished I had.

God gave Hosea explicit instructions on what to name his son. He was sending a message to the kingdom of Israel. He was going to judge them and judge them harshly. Why? Because of Jehu’s sins. Jezreel means God will scatter. Every time people saw Hosea’s son, Jezreel, they would be reminded of this prophecy by Hosea that God was going to scatter them.

APPLICATION

How in the world do you apply this verse? For me, it means that I need to believe what God says. If He says He is going to do something, I can take that to the bank. It’s as good as done. He will not go back on His promises. If He promises blessings, blessings will come. If He promises discipline, discipline will be administered. Do you believe what He says?

My father was a man of his word. He’s been in heaven a few years now. I bet I could walk into my home town grocery store right now and charge a buggy full of food, if he was still alive. They all knew my dad and knew he was good for the money. His word meant something. Does yours? Are you living a life worthy of that kind of respect and honor? You can if you trust the Lord to live through you.

I pray today you are trusting in God’s Word. It will never let you down. His Word is a choice reservoir of truth and wisdom. Won’t you go deep today? If He said it, He meant it. Listen to Him.

O Mighty God, I will listen. Your words are sweet nectar to me. I believe in everything You tell me.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Encouragement, Kindness, Names, Parenting

NEW NAME

Mark 3:16

“And He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter),” 

Why would Jesus do that? Why change his name? He had a reason. Jesus never did (and still doesn’t) anything without a reason. Do you think He knew who Simon was and how he was wired? Of course, He did. He knew Simon was going to need a name to remind him of his strength. So, Jesus called him Peter, which means rock.

Now, I’ve been given other names by people. My nickname growing up was Carlie Warlie. Never liked that one. I was called W by a college roommate. That was okay. But I like my name my parents gave me, Carl. Why? Because it means strong and manly. It was also my maternal grandfather’s name, whom I never knew.

APPLICATION

What do you call your children? I had several nicknames for my daughter. I called her Penelope, Tootle bump and Pumpkin noodle. I don’t know why. They were just cute nicknames. The important thing is that we never call them something to put them down. We should always be building them up.

Jesus’ purpose in renaming Simon was to build him up. He knew what he was going to face one day. Jesus knows what our children are going to face one day, and He is depending upon us to build them up. Never, and I mean never, call your child a derogatory name that demeans them. Those words stick like glue. Instead give them a name that will boost them every day.

What does God call you? You are His child, His beloved, His chosen one. He loves you so supremely. He has removed all the old, including any and all names you were called to put you down. He has set you up to be one of His family. And in His family, there are no bad names – only good ones.

Lord, You have called me blessed. I praise You for calling me Your own.

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