What's In A Name?

Spring has sprung! And with a seasonal uptick in the number of people who will adopt or otherwise bring new animal companions into their homes, it's the season for "naming names" -- an exercise that's often based on whimsy or wit or popular trends. 

But...

from the very beginning, God has made a habit of naming names. When He wasn't selecting a particular name Himself, He was delegating the responsibility to one of His trusted human friends. For instance, in Genesis 2:19, Adam was entrusted with the awesome task of deciding the name of every living creature created by God, thereby revealing not only what they were at the moment of creation...but also what they would be for all eternity. Similarly, Adam referred to the special companion given by God as "Woman", (Genesis 2:23) later giving her the name Eve ("Living One") because she had become "the mother of all the living" (Genesis 3:20).

In Biblical times, names were not mere conveniences. They were imbued with meaning and revelation. For example:

God changed Abram's name to Abraham to mark His divine ordinance that he would become the father of a host of nations (Genesis 17:5). Isaac (Genesis 17:17, 18:12), meaning "laughter", was the God-appointed name for Abraham's and Sarah's son, recalling their reactions when they first learned that Sarah was to bear a child at the ripe old age of ninety.

Esau, meaning "hairy", denoted a physical feature that would figure predominately in the conspiracy to deprive him of his father's special blessing (Genesis 27). Meanwhile, his twin brother's name, Jacob, foretold Jacob's ultimate "supplanting" of Easau's birthrights (Genesis 25:31-34; 27:36). Later, after wrestling with an Angel (Genesis 32:25-29) God -- through the mouth of His angel -- gave Jacob the new name of Israel because he had "contended with divine and human beings and had prevailed."

The name Solomon means "peaceable" -- a fitting reflection of the reign of peace (shalom) and prosperity that Israel was to enjoy under his wise and Spirit-led kingship (1 Chronicles 22:9).

In the Gospel of Luke, (1:13) God instructed Zachariah, through His angel Gabriel, to name his son John, meaning "Yahweh has shown favor," an indication of John (the Baptist's) role in salvation history. It is in this same Gospel, (1:31, 2:21) that the angel, Gabriel, announces to Mary what she was to name the Son of the Most High: Jesus.

From Abraham (Genesis) to Saul (the post-conversion Apostle "Paul" in Acts), God has taken a personal interest in the naming of all of his creation: people, prophets, animals, holy mountains, stars, rivers, valleys, angels, orders, and dominions, and most importantly: He has given Himself "a name above every other name" (Philippians 2:9) so that we can enter into a personal relationship with Him through His only Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

So, what will you name that new animal companion that has appeared in your life in some spontaneous or well pondered way? Will you succumb to pop culture or the obvious "Spot" or "Rover" mentality? Or will you give him or her a meaningful name that hints at not only who they are now...but who and what he or she will become to you and to the world in the months and years ahead?

When Jesus gave Peter the "new" name Cephas, an Aramaic word meaning "Rock," (John 1:42) he no doubt confused and humbled this poor fisherman whose impulsive character was well known to all. Yet, Jesus knew exactly what he was doing. "You are Peter [Cephas], and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:17-19) He didn't see an ill-equipped, temperamental fisherman with good intentions...God saw a man after His own heart, a man of strength, character, courage, and faith. A man trustworthy of the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Peter himself did not know what he already was: rock solid. It was a quality ordained, revealed, and fulfilled by the Master's touch.

So, too, with what identity, role, and purpose will you anoint your animal companion? Give thought to her special qualities, the expression in his eyes, her movement, his spirit, her unique personality, and the promise and meaning of the bond between you. Pray on it, then choose wisely, for God himself shows us that the authority to "name" another living thing is an awesome power and a sacred trust.

For Further Reflection:

†Just as Jesus was revealed by the angel Gabriel as the Son of the Most High, so too, are we told in this and other Scripture passages that we ourselves are children of God. Through the Holy Spirit at work in our parents, each of us at birth was given a name...do you know the story of your name, the hope, meaning, and expectation behind your parents' decision? Have you ever stopped to acknowledge your name -- "common" though it may seem -- as a thoughtful and divinely inspired choice that reflects your dignity and identity as a child of God?

†Peter (Cephas) was the first to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord in response to Jesus' question: But who do you say that I am? (Matthew 16:17). Despite the supernatural grace that enabled Peter to make this confession, Peter (and perhaps others) must have been hard pressed to believe that Jesus could see him as the rock upon which He would build His Church, a worthy keeper of the keys to his heavenly Kingdom! Yet, the vision of Christ is deeply penetrating, perfect, and true. When Jesus looks at you, what -- and who -- do you think He sees? Why not ask Him, in a spirit of humility and trust, to show you the answer to this question -- and to help you fulfill this purpose and identity in the days, months, and years to come?

†Here is a dedication prayer to use upon naming your animal companion:

[Name of Animal] may you be blessed
in the name of the Holy One
who created you,
and may we enjoy life together
and care for one another in peace.
Amen.