What's In a Name

Recently, my oldest nephew passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack. He was almost 43 years old. Too young to die in such a way but sadly, heart problems run in our family.

He was a hard-working young man and a talented singer/songwriter. He and his wife had bought land and renovated an older home in a sleepy town in Missouri. They also opened a butcher shop, and it was unique.

They called it the Singing Butcher Shoppe.

Guitars hung on the walls of the store and often Adam broke out in song when customers were in the shop. I'm sure he told a lot of people about the cool guitar a friend made for him out of a wood plank from the store's flooring.

He was a great person, friendly, and cared for his community. He was well-known and made a name for himself as the Singing Butcher.

How could you not love that?

It’s in our nature to want to make something of ourselves in life. We want to be known. (Hence, the reason most teenagers these days want to be a U-tube superstar or an Instagram Influencer with millions of followers.)

Thinking about making a name for ourselves got me thinking about how special a name can be.

There’s something about a name.

We choose children’s names carefully because they will have it for their entire life.

The word “name” is found in the Bible 944 times. Believe it or not, that’s a lot.

In the Bible, God sometimes gave new names. Usually, establishing a covenant.

When we think about the name of a person (especially if they’ve passed away) we remember who they were. The name represents their entire being – even if it’s a nickname.

For us, it’s a simple thing. But with God, it’s a powerful thing.

The name He gave His only, beloved Son is full of authority, power, and life. It’s a mighty name. A holy name. It’s the name above all names.

At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow. In heaven and on earth. His name is all-encompassing. We can call on Him in every situation in life. Evil flees at the mention of His name. He alone is worthy of our worship.

That’s power. And that’s what’s in a name.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Philippians 2:10 NIV)

***Devoted to my nephew ~ Adam Yount.

A life well-lived but not nearly long enough.