What's in a name?

Well? What is in a name, anyways? Again I find myself writing about an apparently common and simple concept, extrapolating on what it really is, trying to find the true and hidden meaning. It seems like that's kind of what I do. But then again--how can we even dream of understanding complex thoughts and deep sciences when we barely comprehend the most seemingly obvious ideas? Before we can get to the top, we must realize that we have to begin at the bottom.

At the foundation of our worldly identities lies one thing, and one thing alone: our names. (Or, Social Security numbers. You pick.) We are sorted out, for the entirety of our lives, by our name. And then by our age, gender, etc. But wherever we go, we must have some form of a name, even if it is merely "Anonymous". No matter who we are, we all have a name, even if all we can claim is "Nameless". 

So this song doesn't really have all that much to do with what I'm writing about, but I love Jim Croce's music, and the title seemed fitting. But anyways...

The most glorious, wondrous of all names is that of the Lamb: Jesus. In this one name lies an infinite amount of power. In that name alone is the wealth of spirituality, the essence of beauty, the intention of creation, the thought of salvation, the greatest love there ever was. And the list doesn't stop there. I could literally go on for hours about all of the qualities of His name.

But His name is much more than a slew of attributes. It is "power, breath and living water" (Lyrics from "Revelation Song", one of my all time favorites.) His name, His name, His name.

I know what I wish to say about His name. There are two things about it that I want to cover. But I don't know how to communicate it well enough so that you understand what power is bestowed unto us by use of His name. Words are so powerful and impactful. Every time we speak, we are either forecasting life, or we are proclaiming death. On the day of judgment, we will give account of every word we have ever spoken. Every word.

The Bible places emphasis on hopeful and joyous outlooks. Naturally, positive words flow from this. And when one realizes that their words hold the key to life and death themselves, one will scale back on the negative and pursue words of life. One's life will begin to change in amazing ways.

Prophecy, one of many spiritual gifts, deals heavily with words. When somebody prophesies, they are speaking the future. If someone has been divinely gifted with prophecy, their words will be God-inspired, God-breathed, and what they say--or rather, what they allow God to say through them--will eventually come to pass. But, again, this isn't what I was trying to get at as my main point.

But in order to receive the gift of prophecy... one must be Spirit-filled. And how do we get Spirit-filled? By receiving the gift of salvation, which comes from calling on the name of Jesus. The ability to call upon His name, to even use it at all is such an overwhelmingly gracious gift. God allowed His people in the early days to use His name, with only one rule governing it:

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. 

~ Deuteronomy 5:11 (NKJV)

God understands the capacity of His name. It is because He loves His people that He warns them to not misuse His name. Why? It's explained in the New Testament.

And these signs shall follow them that believe; in My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

~ Mark 16:17-18 (KJV)

Meditate upon that. Realize what you have just read. This reminds me of one of my all-time favorite movies, The Prince of Egypt, and one of the songs contained therein:

There can be miracles when you believe...

And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God, and to perform healing. 

~ Luke 9:1-2 (NASB)

If you're a follower of Christ, He has granted you power and authority over all demons. In His name, we have more power than it is even possible for our small human minds to merely fathom. If we command something to be done in the name of Jesus, and it lines up with God's will, it will happen. 

“… If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” 

~ Acts 5:38-39 (NIV)

Nuff said.