What’s in a Name?

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
(Ephesians 3:14-15)

While memorizing these verses, this one verse stuck in my spirit.  What did it mean that every family in heaven and on earth is named by God?

Families are so diverse!  Most likely because no two people are alike, let alone two marriages, or two families.  Each of us is unique!  God made us that way on purpose.

So, what is in a name?  And what does it mean that we are named by God?

When I think of naming someone, I think of parents bestowing a name on their newborn child. Names have meaning. I was named after a family friend. Many are named to remember relatives.  I’ve seen Western movies where the characters were named with a characteristic such as “Sitting Bull” (sounds strong and firm) or “Running Bear.”  I’ll bet that mom had a toddler full of energy!  Girls had names such as “Winona” which means “first born daughter,” or “Marliya” which means “a wished for child.”

In the Bible, names also had meaning.  Often it was to remember a family member.  Remember when Zechariah and Elizabeth were asked what name they’d given to their son (John the Baptist).  Zechariah still could not speak, so Elizabeth said “John.” The rabbi was surprised because that was not a name of one of their relatives.  (see Luke 1) John in Hebrew is (Yohanan), which means “YHWH has been gracious” or “graced by God.” Zechariah was then able to talk, and he affirmed that his son would be called John.  After all, that is the name the angel had given to the child, and Zechariah wasn’t about to question – again!

God often changed people’s names to reflect His promises.  Abram (exalted father) was changed to Abraham (father of nations) because that is what God promised.  Childless Abram would be Abraham, the father of nations. And he’d be reminded of God’s promise every time someone said his name.  He also changed Sarai’s name (my princess) to Sarah, which means princess. It became more than her name, it became her title.

An interesting fact is that God changed their names by adding one Hebrew letter, Hay, which is literally an exhale of breath, like the “H” sound. God breathed His breath of life into their names.

Another thought about names.  Think about an inventor. She has an idea, and builds that idea into some device or contraption.  Now what?  She gives it a name.  That name may describe what it is made of, what is its purpose, how it is used, and so on.  On Facebook, I have seen people post pictures of some old tool or gadget, and ask “Does anyone know what this is?”  (Answer at the bottom.) 

Father God had an idea.  He and Jesus and Holy Spirit lived in a perfect, loving, giving, joyful relationship with each other.  When He created man and woman, He wanted that loving relationship for them, too.  Of course, we aren’t perfect, especially after the fall, but that is God’s heart for mankind.  Loving relationships.

And more than that, He told Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply.”  Those new little humans would need love, nurturing, care and guidance as they grew up.  Hence, the need for family.

God names all families.  In other words, He created family.  He knows how He wants it to function.  And only He can design it to work with all the different personalities, gifts, strengths and weaknesses in human beings – men and women… and kids!

So, if there is some grinding and friction in our families, ask God.  He knows where to adjust the “parts.”  Where to apply a little “oil of the Spirit.”  Where to tighten or loosen the various components.  If parts are damaged or bent, He also knows how to “heal” and restore those parts, without compromising each person’s unique identity.  Amazing.

P.S.  All of us are bent or damaged in one way or another.  He is the Great Healer. Not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.

God,
our families need all three members of the Godhead. 

Papa God, we need fathers and mothers
to love and cherish us,
to give us identity as beloved children.

Jesus, we need Your redemption,
Your forgiveness,
Your willingness to put others first,
even when it hurts.

Holy Spirit,
You are the Helper, and we need help.

We need Your guidance and strength
and persistence.
Give us wisdom from above,
and patience to not give up on each other.

In the mighty Name of Jesus.

Amen.

Answer:
This scary looking contraption is an antique hairdressing hood, used for drying and setting a new “do.”
Picture and explanation compliments of Reader’s Digest.