Naming the Ones we Love

One of the (many) things which draws me to the person of God, is how uniquely, beautifully and resolutely he names each one of us. He’s been doing it a long time and shows us how to do the same.
Here are just a few examples:
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1)God changes the names of Abram and Sarai, to Abraham and Sarah.     
When God changes Abram to Abraham, he affirms the manifold promise He has given to make him ‘the father of many nations.’ Abram means ‘high father’ but Abraham goes further to mean ‘father of a multitude.’ Similarly, Sarai means ‘my princess’ but Sarah means ‘mother of nations.’ He names them ‘into’ what He has said they will become even though they are still without a child.
 
2)God calls forth Gideon into the attributes He has for him.
When the angel of the Lord first appears to Gideon, he names him ‘mighty warrior.’ Yet, this is Gideon who called himself ‘the least’ of his lowly tribe. He is the one who asks for multiple signs to know God is calling to him. He is the one who cowered at every turn, though, in his defense, he was being called to do a massive thing. Yet, it is because God speaks His ultimate purposes to life in Gideon that he names him as valiant and strong.
 
3)God gives fullness to the Name Above Every Name.
Ultimately, we see God’s greatest naming coming in the names he bestows upon His Son. Jesus, the Christ, Savior, Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father just to name a few. His is One Name, yet many, all declaring the fullness of who He is.
 
In this same way, we are called to ‘name’ those we love. If we picked out specific meanings for our children’s names, then we recall them before the Lord and them, claiming that these will be their name. God may also give us special words or expressions like He did for Gideon. These we use to build up our families, loved ones, friends and ultimately the Body of Christ.
 
It may seem simple, but the practice of naming is quite radical. It is a counterattack to the lies of the Enemy spewing un-truths about God’s children. As we speak into the atmosphere names such as ‘strong’, ‘courageous’, ‘beloved’, ‘beautiful’, ‘faithful’ and so many more, we stand against the powers and principalities of this dark world.
 
So, I issue this challenge and name you a ‘speaker of names’ unto the Glory of God. Look for an abundant amount of ways to bless others into the great things God has for them as members of His kingdom, beloved of His heart, and ones claimed forever as His.

About Abby

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​Abby is a small-town loving, big city adventurer.  She and her husband have worked with high school students most of their lives!  Since their internship in Budapest, Hungary in 2005-2006, they have been working with the ministry of CRU.  In May of this year, they moved to Hungary answering God's call to work long-term with the students of Central and Eastern Europe.  Abby loves to laugh, especially at herself, has a passion for God and making Him known and is ever learning how to do that with three small children, ages 5, 3 and one month.  She wouldn't trade the journey for anything!  She blogs regularly at Fan the Flame   

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