23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and [i]did not know her till she had brought forth her[j] firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:23-25 (NKJV)
Names were important in Bible times and they are important in our times. Finding the perfect name for our children was the most challenging part of being pregnant. I think it took me 9 months every time. The funny thing is that in the beginning of our marriage, we would have kid names brainstorming sessions. We now laugh at the names that came out of those sessions. The names we chose for our children turned out to be perfect for them. We also made sure that searched for the meaning of their names. Well, except for one kid. When we did find out what her name meant, we were relieved! It really was perfect for her.
Every time I call my children by name, I am pronouncing the meaning of their name, over and over. I believe that the same thing happened to Jesus.
The prophet Isaiah (7:14) said long ago that the virgin would conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Immanuel means God with us.
I can only imagine how many times Jesus heard his name come out of his parents, siblings and other relatives mouths. They were also saying "God with us, how are you doing today?" And sentences similar to this.
His name proclaimed His mission, His destiny.
Joseph received this command in a dream. He was ultimately responsible for naming Mary's baby. The Bible says that he woke up and was obedient to God's command.
I'm not sure what your parents named you or what people are calling you. God calls you his own. He calls you His beloved, more than a conqueror and forgiven. I hope that you grab a hold of the things God calls you. They're all good and they determine your mission and your destiny.
I'm not sure if like Joseph, God has given you a command. Will you have the courage to obey God? His commands and directions are all found in the Bible. That's where you and I can hear His voice. Let's hear and let's obey.
Post a Comment