‘And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.’

Matthew 1:21.

One may want to ask: ‘What is in a name?’ What is so special about a name? What does a name stand for? What is the relevance of a name?

The book of Proverbs makes us to understand that: ‘A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.’ Ecclesiastes puts it this way: ‘A good name is better than precious ointment.’

A name is very significant in the life of a man. A name is foremost for identification. In the temporal the more a name is known and recognized, the more influence and power it wields. No wonder many are in the rat-race to make a name.

As much as names are relevant in the temporal, they are even more significant spiritually. In the Yoruba setting for instance, some names are appendage to some deities or gods to show their spiritual relevance. Every name has a spiritual undertone. Names do bear on people. Some names bring the bearer into bondages while some others minister grace to the bearers.

For instance, for as long as Israel was Jacob, he could not enter into the fullness of the blessings of God. It took him an encounter with the Lord. The Lord changed his name from Jacob, a deceiver to Israel, a prince with God. Thereafter his life became gracious.

Every name carries an amount of power and authourity by virtue of:

  • The meaning of the name.
  • The spiritual inclination of the bearer.

I am glad that the name of JESUS bears the power of salvation and deliverance on people both in the temporal and spiritual. The Bible says, there is no other name under heaven that has been given apart from the name of JESUS through which man must be saved. Jesus himself declared: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life, no man can come unto the Father but by me.’

You can trust in the name of Jesus. You can depend on it. You can rest in it. By inheritance, Jesus has obtained a more excellent name. The name of Jesus is a more excellent name on which you can trust and depend. I exhort you, let the name of JESUS bear on your life anew or afresh. Let the name avail for you. In Jesus name. Amen.        

If you sincerely want to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, then say the following prayer with your heart to the Lord: My dear Lord Jesus, I come to you today as I am. I confess right now that you are my Lord and Saviour. Forgive me my sins. I believe in my heart that you died and rose again from the dead for my justification. I am justified through your blood. Thank you dear Lord for saving me now. Amen.