Old Testament: 2 Kings 3 & 4
Poetry: Psalm 128
New Testament: Ephesians Intro – coming this afternoon because sometimes two posts are better than one
When we decided to name our children, I thought long and hard about the meaning behind each of their names. It was more than picking a cute name out of a book, or making sure they weren’t one of eight of the same-named kids in their class, or avoiding mispronunciations throughout the whole of their life. My thoughts were more along the lines of a Bible name. Well not directly from the Bible, like my names Aaron & Jonathan, but something with a deep, and sometimes, literal meaning. For example:
Adam – Son of the earth
Moses – Taken from the water
Esau – Red & hairy
David – Beloved
Peter – Rock
Yeshua (Jesus) – Deliverer.
What qualities would their name evoke or how might their name be prophetic? We ended up landing on Oliver Ace – Peace & unity, Matilda Claire – Strength & clarity, and Violet Lou – Wisdom & esteemed. While each of their fulfillments is to be determined, I believe that God, indeed, has a plan for their name.
Watching the actions of Elisha throughout the course of 2 Kings, we see time and time again the fulfillment of the name to which he was called, “God is Salvation.” In Chapter 4, as a vessel of God in faith, Elisha provides for a widow, saves prophets from being poisoned, feeds 100 with scraps, and brings a child back to life. In each of these instances, God, through his agent Elisha, is salvation. God will provide when you are in need. God will save you from harm. God will use your offering to multiply the blessing. God will raise your very life from the grave. Elisha is aptly named.
What is your name? Yes, your name may have a rich meaning, or it could be you were named after your mom’s favorite band that had two hit songs and then was never heard from again. It could be you were named Hannah, not because your parents wanted you to have favor or grace, but because your dad was obsessed with palindromes. It might be impossible to live out these names in such a way, and it could be that my own children’s names are simply names. So instead, let us take time to focus on the names which God calls those who put their hope and trust in Jesus Christ:
A chosen generation & royal priesthood: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Children of God: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” – 1 John 3:1
Heirs: “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise”. – Galatians 3:29
His workmanship: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
Mine: “I have called you by your name. You are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1
These names, as well as many, many more (redeemed, blessed, chosen, victorious, etc.) become our prophecy, our inheritance, and our fulfillment. May God bless us all to fully live out the calling of our names, much like Elisha.
-Aaron Winner
Reflection Questions
- Does your name have a calling you are trying to live out? If you could choose any name for yourself – or your children – what would you choose and why?
- What do we learn from Elisha about himself and about his God? What do people learn about you and about your God from watching and knowing you?
- Which of the names God has chosen for those who chose Him and His Son mean the most to you? Why? What does it show you about God?
Seek Grow Love 