IMPORTANCE OF NAMES

...that at the name of Jesus every knee

should bow, of those in heaven, and

of those on earth, and of those

under the earth.

Philippians 2:10

Names are of such importance to us. They don't just identify people, but names bring to recall things to be remembered or to be forgotten. There are names we all could call out that would immediately register with us in some way. They might be names of foods, products, criminals, pastors, vacation spots, car names, known tragedies, etc. We mostly think of the names of family members and friends.

I often wondered when going through my school years, why my parents named me what they did. My first name has caused more problems for me especially in those beginning years. People who didn't know me or my family pronounced my name in every which way you can imagine and at times, it was embarrassing.

There is a name we don't speak as often as we should and that name is JESUS. It's a name quickly recognized and a name with meaning like no other. Unlike most names, His name encourages, blesses, comforts, is full of love and calls to mind our Savior. Some people in time past have tried to erase that name from our attention but it will never happen. JESUS is the name above all names past, present and on into eternity.

Father, there is such comfort and assurance when we speak the powerful name of Jesus. Thank You for His precious presence in our lives, knowing His name holds power beyond any other name. In Jesus' precious name...Amen