A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. Proverbs 22:1
Have you ever thought about the significance of your name? Some believe there is a vital connection between the names that we are given at birth and our destiny. In giving a child a name in biblical times, the parents would reflect the circumstances of the child, the features of the child, and/or their commitment of the child to God.
Abraham means “father of a multitude.” Eve’s name means “mother.” Hannah means “grace of God.” Isaac means “laughter.” Joseph means “God will increase,” and Josiah means “fire of the Lord.” What a blessing to see, in the pages of God’s infallible word, each of these people and others living up to their name.
Names are not only significant in the Bible but in our rich history and also in modern day society. We see their significance in family and historical names. Cleopatra means “father’s fame.” George means “a tiller of the soil.” Timothy means “honored by God.” Our names often mirror our dreams and future.
What does your name mean? Does it mean joy, peace, champion or gift? Does it mean beautiful/handsome one or dreamer/visionary?
Better yet, do we find that we live up to our names? Our name makes us unique. Yet, there is a name above all, more special because it is sacred. It evokes power and supersedes all fads, trends, cultures, and time. This name is the name of Jesus! His name is holy, hallowed, and to be praised!
Take a moment and thank God for the uniqueness in your own name. It was not given to you by accident. Thank God for the power that we experience in His name. You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Since we wear the name “Christian,” may we wear the name of Christ as a badge of honor each day.
Heavenly Father, we reverence your holy name. Thank you for saving us and adopting us into your family. Teach us to live up to our names in Christ so that the world may encounter your personality.
Cokiesha Bailey Robinson is a graduate of Fisk University where she earned a B.A. degree, and a graduate of Samford University, where she obtained a M.Div. degree. She worked in the field of radio before becoming involved in full-time ministry. She has served as a missionary to a number of countries and studied in Izmir, Turkey. Her greatest passion is encouraging others through oral and written expressions. She writes for several devotional sites and has contributed to 3 books; one of which she co-authored: Farther In and Deeper Down (written by the Bailey family), This is My Story (written by Dr. Cleo Larue), and Planting Trust, Knowing Peace (written by Mrs. Denise George). A native of Dallas, Texas, she and her husband Timothy enjoy being students of the Word and of the world. They serve together on the leadership committee for laity at Princeton Theological Seminary and serve in ministry in NY, NY.Read Cokeisha’s devotions