“He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.”
Genesis 2:19 (NIV)
Onomatology is the study of names – the meaning or origin, cultural connotations and the reason we are given certain names.
In your “Grand Sweep” readings of Genesis this week are you wondering why all these people are being called out by name? Are you questioning the importance of the names? Do you feel like some of these names are impossible to pronounce? Are you tempted to just skip over the difficult names?
Lest we forget that Adam was derived from the earth by the breath of life, therefore named by God. Later in Genesis 3 we read about Adam naming his wife Eve because she would become the mother of all the living.
We fast forward to Exodus 33 and read about Moses addressing God in the Tent of Meeting. This conversation gives us insight into the importance of a name. Moses is asking God to teach him his ways so he can convince the people of the glory of God. God replies, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Moses is more than a name, he is a dearly loved personal friend. Moses is connected to God in so many ways.
Naming is quite important for it assigns an identity. It has personal meaning. It highlights our uniqueness. It creates a connection.
In the early days of our COVID hiatus from normal church attendance, I happened to be at the church one Saturday morning. I walked out the back door by the kitchen and just about stumbled on a small kitten in the pathway. I looked down to see this little critter who now was weaving and brushing up and around my ankles. I quickly realized that this little kitty had been intentionally dropped off with food, water, a box and blanket for sleeping, and a litter box.
As you can imagine, I took her to our home and we eventually adopted her. We had an older cat that was really slowing down after a long adventurous life, so this new furry critter was a welcome addition. Coming up with a name was challenging as any pet owner knows. We bantered back and forth with a list of names on a quest for the perfect name. After all, this was a name to help us identify an important addition to our family. What name shall we bestow on her? Does that begin to tell you a bit about me?
“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
John 10:3 (NRSV)
This week, as part of our annual church planning, the “nominations team” met to speak and discuss candidates for leadership and ministry positions in our church for this coming year. This group of dedicated AUMCers takes their role very seriously. The process involves identifying names of folks who we believe have spiritual gifts that would help us sustain and grow the church in various areas of service and ministry. We assign candidates and each team member begins to pray for that person by name. We then ask for the Holy Spirit to open the door for that person to be receptive to this leadership opportunity. If some of your ears are burning and heart fluttering perhaps the Spirit is preparing you for the invitation. Each of these names represent a life committed to Christ and hope for the future of our church.
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1 (NRSV)
A few weeks ago, we announced that we would have a pastor transition and waited with anticipation. We wondered who it was and what their name was. A similar process was conducted by the Bishop’s cabinet as names of potential candidates were shared by each cabinet member. Prayer and discernment over several days ensued and eventually our new pastor was selected.
This week the name of our next senior pastor was revealed. Pastor Mike Tyson is someone we all want to get to know. As we get to know him we will all begin to build a connection as people of Christ. We lift up Mike Tyson and his family in prayer for we know that God has called his name for this appointment.
Your name is the headline of your story. Your story is the transforming grace that you have experienced. The story is not over quite yet. God still calls us by name to continue growing in our discipleship walk. Did you know you are an ambassador for Christ? What more can be written about your story?
“Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.”
Psalm 91: 14-16 (NRSV)
Jesus hand selected each of his disciples and he called them each by name. He even saw them and knew of them before they even knew he was the Messiah.
“Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you get to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’”
John 1:46-48 (NRSV)
Jesus also gave Simon his new name, Peter. Later he shares with Peter that his name means “Petra,” or rock, to signify that on this rock Jesus would build his church. Even though he knew that Peter would betray him three times, Jesus gave him the redeeming gift of grace and mercy
“He brought Simonto Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter).”
John 1:42(NRSV)
Your name uniquely identifies you to God. Your faith connects your name to all the saints that went before you. Your personal salvation inscribes your name in the “Book of Life.”
Hear the good news! We worship a God who made us in His image. He created each of us to breath in His grace and breathe out our praise. He knows every detail about us.
“But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:7 (NRSV)
He loves us so much He sent His only son Jesus to the cross on calvary for our salvation. As a child of God, we have the holy privilege of calling on His name on every occasion. He hears us every time for He knows our name. Hallelujah!
“For, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13 (NRSV)
What is the story behind your name? How did you get named? How will you share the name and story of Jesus with others? Could it be part of your story?
Peace be with you,
Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader
He Knows My Name by Tommy Walker
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call
I have a Father
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call
He knows me, He knows my name
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call
He knows your name
He knows your every thought
He sees all those tear that falls
And He hears you when you call