Growing up in America, I never thought much about the meaning of a person's name. As kids, the only time it seemed to matter was if the name was easy to make fun of because … well, you know, kids. Parents were a bit more sensitive. For example, my best friend in elementary school was named Roger, but as he grew older, we all just called him Rog, (pr. "rogue"). His mother vehemently hated this nickname, and I can still remember her in a thick Irish accent saying, "he's not a rogue!" which, according to Webster, is someone who is a dishonest, corrupt scoundrel. I see her point now.
In Biblical times, a person's name held significant historical and cultural importance. Names often reflected circumstances surrounding one's birth, prophetic insights, personal characteristics, or divine purposes. Names could denote lineage, tribe, or clan affiliations and were sometimes changed to reflect a new identity or mission given by God. A few examples are Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, and Simon to Peter, which, based on the Greek word "petros," meaning rock, symbolized the strong, stable bedrock upon which Jesus said He would establish His church.
Then, there is Jesus, a name in a league of Its own. According to Philippians 2:9-10, God gave him 'the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' There is no other name by which we must be saved according to Acts 4:12. His is a name by which we repent and are baptized (Acts 2:38) and also a name by which we can pray (John 14:14). The power and uniqueness of His name are beyond comparison, inspiring awe and reverence in all who hear it.
Even today, the name of Jesus continues to bring peace and comfort to His followers. It is a name that reassures, a name that brings a sense of security. Conversely, it strikes terror in His enemies. I've heard first-hand accounts of how the mere mention of His name sent forces of darkness into a fearful frenzy. That shouldn't sound strange, as there is a clear Biblical precedent. (See Luke 10:17) To the believer, however, could there be a sweeter sound in all of creation? As the old hymn says, 'There is a name I love to hear. I love to sing its worth. it sounds like music in my ear. The sweetest name on earth.' Jesus has a name above every name because no other name offers abundant life, contains the power to move mountains, and sends spiritually dark forces scattering - even whispered.
