A name

What's in a name? When Stephanie and I were looking for names for our children, we took a lot of time deciding. We wanted names that had a special meaning. Ones that we could talk to our children about and explain to them why we named them the names we did. Names matter. God has many many names. My favorite is Jehovah-Jireh (God provides). That name was revealed when God provided the sacrifice to Abraham instead of Isaac.

In Ephesians 3:14, Paul says, "for this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name." Our name is derived from the Father in heaven. We all have a common last name with God in it. What comes to your mind when you hear "rockefeller, walton, gates"? Those names mean something. But, if the person with that last name was unaware of or confused as to whom he belonged, he would not be able to appropriate all the benefits (blessings) that come from those names. He might not even mention the name in a conversation.

As a Christ follower our names have changed. But, we act at times as those they haven't. This happens because the devil convinces us or trials cause us to take the focus off whose we are. We get confused. But, the reality is that I am no less Jeff Jehovah-Jireh(son) because of my actions. Neither are you.

Earlier in Ephesians, Paul said,"In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." And, in Hebrews 4:16 is it said, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Because of our name, we can approach God with freedom and confidence and who we are approaching is on a throne of GRACE! It's like Sam Walton's son approaching Sam and asking for a million dollars. Sam's got nearly unlimited funds. Would say "no"? But, we approach God who does have infinite, unlimited GRACE. And, when we approach Him there is grace and mercy no judgment because of our name.

God has many names. What name of God means the most to you? There's power in the name. In fact, Jesus said in John 17:11b "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one."

Take some time today. Do a search on the names of God. Acknowledge that you are Jeff Jehova-Jireh(son). Live in his name.

Approach his throne of grace. It's unlimited.