What’s in a Name?

For the last several weeks, I have been doing my devotions solely on the search of the Greek word zōē, which means life.

In today’s verse, I read and researched John 20:31, “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

While it doesn’t seem super significant, the word “name” stuck out to me, or rather it’s meaning did. And while it’s not the first time I’ve read it, today it seemed more real. And somehow, somewhere, I think I’ve even blogged about it before. 🙂

That fact made me hesitate before writing this post. Would you want to read the same post about the word name?

First, let me show you what the Greek word means (taken from blueletterBible.org). Of course, it means what it is, name–a proper name. But in addition to that, it means this, “the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one’s rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.”

Think of the word mom (in honor of this past Mother’s Day). The word brings up memories and feelings–good or bad. Some think of their mothers with fondness and profound love. Others, like me, struggle to find good things. Don’t get me wrong, my mother loved me the best way she knew how. I know that now, but I didn’t then.

What other names trigger emotion in you? Dad, Grandpa, Grandma (or whatever you called your grandparents), Auntie, a sibling’s name? Maybe your spouse? Or child?

What about the name of Jesus? What emotion does it trigger?

For me, it’s profound gratitude. My heart swells with all He’s done for me. As the hymn says, “I once was lost, but now I’m found.” It is truly how I feel. He took me off a destructive path and set me on a new, better one. The path is not easy, but I know where I’m going–the end of my path, HEAVEN, and it’ll all be worth it.

When you say His name, think about all he’s done for you, where He brought you from, where He saved you from going, and how much He loves you. He loved you this much:

 

Blessings,

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