Day 89 - What's in a name

Names in Bible times were more than just what they called someone - their name signified why or how they were born, or the personality or nature of the person, often indicated by their behavior.  Many people today still name their children (and their pets, cars, boats, etc.) for some of these reasons, and some people will refuse to use a particular name because it reminds them of an unkind or foolish person who has that same name.  Just thinking of a person's name can conjure up memories of various incidents that remind us of their personality characteristics and their reputation.

Jesus name is often referred to as the 'Name above all names,' as in Philippians 2:9-10 - Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth - and Hashem is the Hebrew words for "The Name."  While our names are often frought with meaning and memory, no earthly name comes close to the power of "The Name".  Jesus taught the disciples to pray by saying, "Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed (holy) be thy name."  When Solomon finished building the temple, the Lord said to him, "I have heard the prayer and please you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever.  My eyes and my heart will always be there." -  I Kings 9:3.  In the New Testament God's Word likens our body to the temple of God.  Perhaps that is why we call ourselves "Christ-ians"... because Christ has called us to himself and has put His Name on us forever.  Chills cover my arm at the next phrase of the verse above... for it indicates that where Christ's name is, His eyes and heart are always there as well.  I do long to see with the eyes and heart of my Savior, and at the same time must confess that ironically, I often run from the opportunity to allow Him to see and feel through me, for I know it will cost me dearly.  Apparently I am too lazy, perhaps like the Laodicean church.  Yet, where Hashem is, there is hope eternal.  It has been said that God's name is his reputation.

Just as Esther told the king 'who Mordecai was to her', I think I will  share with a few people each week what their name means to me.

One food today - Lemon-artichoke chicken with rice pasta and tarragon.  The sauce has lemon juice, butter, parmesan and capers.

It was a tough day - two funerals and the loss of a friend who moved away.  We tried to make frozen pizza.  I know you are wondering how anyone could not 'make' a frozen pizza properly but I've succeeded - or perhaps I've failed - or you could say I succeeded at failing to 'make' a frozen pizza.  It flopped literally.  It supposedly had a rising crust - instead we had inedible goo and tossed it out.