_____________, Princess of Cambridge

As we wait with curiosity for the name of the Princess of Cambridge, I wonder about the significance of a name, and taking time to choose just the right one.   Even God waited on hearing the names of the animals when He “brought them to the man to see what he would name them.”  (Genesis 2:19)  God called Abram, commanding him to leave his country, his people and his home to go to a land God wanted to show him, promising several things, including to make his name great.  (Genesis 12:1-3)  Twenty four years later God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, meaning ‘father of many’, as He made His covenant with Abraham to make his name great by making him father of many nations, including kings.  This is an everlasting covenant for all of Abraham’s generations: to be their God.  The Bible details what many names mean, and their significance for the one named.  Another example, Isaac, meaning laughter, was named to reflect on the time when his mother, Sarah, laughed upon hearing that she would bear a child.  (Genesis 18)  Sarah’s advanced age points again to the waiting game!

The greatest name is the one God gave Himself: ‘I am’.

He qualifies (for those of us in need of clarification) what ‘I am’ means throughout scripture.  Here are a few of His definitions.

“I am God Almighty.” Genesis 17:1

“I am the Lord who makes you holy.” Exodus 31:13, Lev. 20:8

“Glory in His holy name.” 2 Chronicles 16:10

“I am compassionate.” Exodus 22:27

“And there he called upon the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.” Genesis 21:33

“I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion.” Zechariah 1:14

The Name above all Names, the great I am, Jesus, further illustrates and embodies what “I am” means in His life and His fulfillment of scripture.

“I am the bread of life.” John 6:35, 41, 48, 51

“I am from Him and He sent me.” John 7:29

“I am the light of the world.” John 8:12

“I am the gate for the sheep.” John 10:7

“I am the Good Shepherd.” John 8:11, 14

“I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25

“I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6

“I am the vine and you are the branches.” John 15:5

Jesus, the King of Kings

“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.”  Philippians 2:10-11

It is by the Name of Jesus we pray, should live, and are saved.

What is your name?  Who do you say Jesus is?  How do you see Him defined by His Name?  How do you apply God’s definitions of who He is to your life in Christ?

Going back to London…I am naturally pulling for the new Princess to be named Mary:) 

(all photos in this post are from http://www.telegraph.co.uk)