What's in a Name?

So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)

The bible often refers to the name of God and the name of Jesus. God’s word says that His name is holy and powerful. Just speaking the name of Jesus will cause reverence in those who know Him and what He did for us. Though we all shall bow when we see Jesus, the scripture says that every knee shall bow at His name. His name, itself, has that mighty strength.

The Lord’s prayer says, ‘Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed (holy)’ be thy name’.  God is holy, and God’s name is also holy. There is power in the name of our God and His son Jesus Christ.

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. (Matthew 6:9)

Historically, a person’s name is very important. We either have a good name and reputation or we have a bad name and reputation. In humanity, having positive characteristics associated with our name lets others know whether or not they can trust our word.

Because God’s name is good and holy, we know we can trust His word, the bible. We can trust Him. He is faithful and just and He has a good and holy name.

But how is a name (just a word) holy?

Names are made up of letters. They are how we identify each other. Names are given to us by others and some have meanings that may impart characteristics to us, the holder of the name. Names can be made fun of or ridiculed and become an embarrassment. Names can be recognized by all, respected, and adored. Certain names carry with them certain accomplishments or riches, and good names can be easily lost by human actions.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1).

God is omnipotent. He is everywhere and in everything. He is His word, He is His name, His name is not just letters and He has many names. He is the great I Am, Jehovah, Messiah, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and many more.

This mystery is incomprehensible to us, that God is all and is in all. The great mystery that the many names of God not only represent Him but are Him. His name is holy and powerful just as He and His word are holy and powerful.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. (Isaiah 42:8)

We have been given a great gift, the name of God’s son, who is one with the Father. We carry the prestige of the name of Christ because we are designated as Christians. This name represents our holy and powerful God and we are honored to be called by this name.

It is our responsibility to show the world that this name is good. When we sin or represent the name of God in a bad way, we have dishonored the name of our Lord and King. This is a heavy responsibility in a world where evil reigns and the name of God is blasphemed regularly.

So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day. (Psalm 61:8)

Christians are to honor God’s name, bring glory to His name, pray in His name, and live our lives so that others will also esteem His name and believe that His word is true. We can show confidence and faith in God’s promises because of His powerful name. God will never lose His good name, but we can cause others to lose faith in Him by what we do in His name.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17)

When praying in the Lord’s name, we are praying as His representatives. Our prayers must reflect His will. If His name is holy, our actions, our lives, and our words should also be holy. Living a true Christian life shows the holiness of God’s name.

If we do not live a true Christian life, we are actually taking His name in vain by our lifestyle. We are dishonoring His name. Protect the name of God and His son, Jesus Christ by keeping His good name holy.

God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)

Prayer: God help us understand that your name is to be revered. It is holy and powerful the same as you are holy and powerful. Help us glorify your name by our lives and our words. Let us bow our heads at the sound of your name. Do not let us dishonor your name by using it wrongly or living in a way that would give you a bad name. We praise your name Lord God. Amen.