What’s Your Name?
What are your children’s names? Do you have a story or reason behind the name you chose? Recently, a friend and I were talking about how the names we eventually gave our children were so much different than we originally planned.
I started thinking about all the names we receive when we become followers of Christ. Isaiah 62:2 says, “You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.” So after studying the Scriptures, I found these names given to us by the Father:
Members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19)
Have you ever been a guest in someone else’s home? Even though we are welcomed into the person’s home, we often feel as though we must be on our best behavior during our stay. Sometimes we might even feel like an outsider, not knowing the host’s normal routine and expectations. The good news is, God wants us to be permanent residents in his home…not just a temporary visitor. When we are members of God’s household, we can be at ease, knowing that we are His no matter what!
Chosen to be Adopted (Ephesians 1:4-6)
Before God ever created the world, He formed a plan to adopt us into his kingdom. It brings him great pleasure to make us part of his heavenly family! Just like adopted children take the name of their new family, we receive the name of Christ that we can wear proudly. This name signifies to others that we belong to him!
Children of God (John 1:12)
When we believe in Jesus and receive him into our lives, we are born of God and are given the right to be called his children. What comfort we can take, knowing that we have a good and generous Father! And more than that, we immediately gain a whole host of brothers and sisters in Christ. I find such comfort in knowing that I have an extended family around the world. It’s not the blood running in our veins which makes us family, it’s the blood of Christ joining us together eternally.
Heir to the kingdom and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)
Because we are member’s of God’s household and his children, we are also his heirs. As Galatians 3:29 says, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Remember, the promise to Abraham was that all nations on earth would be blessed through his offspring. Since we belong to Christ, we are part of Abraham’s seed, though most of us are not Jews. One thing that resonates with me is that an heir has a duty to properly handle the inheritance. As heirs of the kingdom, we will “bless all nations” by telling them the good news of Jesus!
Citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20)
I find it especially comforting to know that my citizenship is not of this world. At a time when the whole world seems to be in political turmoil, I know that Jesus is my King. He is sitting on his throne at this very moment, and no matter what happens on this earth, He is in control!
Which name that you’ve received from God speaks most to your heart?
- Strange Way to Save the World – Michael Crawford - December 12, 2017
- A Psalm of Comfort in the Midst of the Storm - August 27, 2017
- What’s On Your Spiritual Bucket List? - July 13, 2017
Children of God! ?
Knowing how much I love my children has brought so much more meaning to be called a “child of God.” I’m constantly amazed by what a good Father I have!