Your Name

In his name the nations will put their hope.” Matthew 12:21

Have you ever given much thought to the importance of your name? When my wife was pregnant with William and Sydney, we gave their names a lot of thought. It took us longer to decide on our son's name but eventually decided to name him after our fathers, William Hixson Lamb and Rubie O’Neil Eads. We decided on the name William O’Neil Eads. It was a special name to both of us because it includes the names of the two most important men in our lives. We kept his name a secret from our families until after he was born. I will never forget walking into the waiting room after his birth to tell our dads that my son would be William O’Neil. Our daughter's name came much easier because we knew for a long time that she would be named after our grandfathers, James Sidney Kendrick and Henry Egar Love. We were proud to give our new baby girl the name, Sydney Love Eads and it fits her perfect to this day. Our names are important because it was well thought out by our parents and it belongs to us. People know us by our name and there are thoughts they have when they say or hear our name. Our character is closely tied to our names and we should always work to honor the people who gave us our names and the people we are named after.

During Jesus’ time on the earth He was called by many names. All of His names refer to His power, His character, or His relation to His Father. People all across the world know Jesus by the many names in which Christians refer to Him. He is called the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is called the Cornerstone because He is our foundation. He is called Counselor because we can go to Him with any problem or worry and He will honor our concerns. He is called Shepherd because He guards His flock and counts us each as most important to Him. He is called the Lamb of God because He freely gave His life as a sacrifice for us. He is called King of Kings because He is mightier than all the earthly kings. He is called the Light of the World because He is the shining light that guides us through a wicked world. He is called the Prince of Peace because He lived a sinless life and gave away His life freely. He is called Rock because we can build our lives upon Him and the foundation will never grow weak. He is called Healer because He can heal our minds and bodies. He is called Emmanuel which means “God with us”. Maybe the best name of all is Savior because He saves us from our sins and promises us eternal life. 

We also have many names that we each are called and we should always be proud of these names. I am called Coach by many people each day. To many others I am Teacher. To others I am Neil and Linda’s son. I am also called Jamie’s husband or William and Sydney’s dad. All of these names mean as much to me as the name given to me by my parents. Honor the name that you have been given by your parents and also the names that many others call you. Maybe it is friend, teammate, mentor, brother or sister, or classmate. Most of all, honor the many names of Jesus. Allow Him to be your shepherd through the trials of life. Ask Him to be your Counselor when you are facing worries. Rely on Him to be your Light in a dark world. Most of all ask Him to be your Savior.


Chad