What’s In A Name?
“What’s in a name?” This question posed by Juliet in William Shakespere’s iconic tale challenges whether a name truly matters. Her love for Romeo was hindered by a feud that existed amid their family… a conflict defined by inherited identity and tradition. This in turn made their love forbidden. Juliet poetically declares, “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” articulating the fragrance of their romance will overshadow any bitterness of a surname. For better or for worse, this notorious couple experience firsthand what’s in a name. Their identity defined who they are, nevertheless, determined to not let this interfere with their future.
Who You Are
What’s in your name? Does it define who you are? For most of us it does. The name given to us by our parents becomes our identity. Our name shape how others perceive who we are and often represent the roots of our tradition, heritage, or vocation. Possibly becoming bonding such as with Romeo and Juliet or alternatively setting us free. Yet, Scripture invites us to view our name as more than markers of heritage or division. God tells us, “I have called you by name, you are mine,” (Isaiah 43:1). Signifying that a relationship with Him will overcome all boundaries. Then Solomon adds “A good name is more desirable than great riches,” (Proverbs 22:1). Take it a step further and you will find that within a name; connections are eternally defined when adopted into God’s family (Revelation 2:7).
Name Above All Names
Only made possible when our roots are sunk deeply into the truth found in Jesus, who is the bedrock of our faith (Colossians 2:7) … Yes, the One who’s name is above all names; our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9). When we as fellow Christians adopt the name of Jesus, we will find it is saturated with identity, authority, and hope. Why? Because of His great love for each one of us (John 3:16). Just as Romeo and Juliett was going to use love to define their new identity, so it is with Christ (1 John 4:16). The same love Jesus uses as He calls us by name as our Good Shepherd and guides our spiritual journey (John 10:3). Now our name becomes a calling, a blessing, and a signpost pointing to a divine purpose.
In Jesus Name
Whether your story is of forbidden love or found in the sweetness of a rose, the promises of “what’s in a name” found in Scripture, is ultimately an invitation to step into a greater story… one defined by redemption, relationship, and grace. God marks us as His beloved, chosen, and set apart for His purposes. When God speaks over our name, it becomes a word of hope, restoration, and destiny… a name that reflects how He sees us and the future He has planned for us. My friends, no matter what others may say or what labels we have carried, God names us as His children, redeemed and precious in His sight.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me a name that gives me identity in You. In Jesus name I pray (John 14:13-14). Amen.
Isaiah 43:1
Proverbs 22:1
Revelation 2:7
Colossians 2:7
Philippians 2:9
John 3:16
1 John 4:16
John 10:3
John 14:13-14
— Phil
If you like, check out these Daily Devotions
Today’s Scripture
Isaiah 43:1
Israel’s Only Savior
1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
Proverbs 22:1
A Good Name
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
Revelation 2:7
To the Church in Ephesus
7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
Colossians 2:7
Alive in Christ
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Philippians 2:9
Christ’s Example of Humility
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
John 3:16
For God So Loved the World
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
1 John 4:16
God Is Love
16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
John 10:3
I Am the Good Shepherd
3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 14:13-14
I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life
13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.