“And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matt 1:21)

The importance of names cannot be overemphasized though some are of the opinion that it doesn’t really matter. The pattern we find in the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation is that whenever God is to name a person, place or thing, he would name it by the purpose he has determined for the person, place or thing to fulfill. This makes the name prophetic in nature, so that whenever that name is mentioned people will readily know the identity and purpose of the personality. We see this pattern in the life of Abram whom God renamed Abraham and Sarai his wife who saw named Sarah (Gen 17:1-16). Also we see the same in the life of Jacob whom God renamed Israel (Gen 32:28). Even the angel had to give Zechariah the name of John (Luke 1:13).

In God’s mind the name of a person is supposed to be a summary of the person’s identity and purpose on earth. This means that the name you bear is very important because each time the name is mentioned, there’s a prophecy being released over your life.

From our passage above, the angel said the baby to be born shall be called JESUS because he will save his people from their sins. Please note that Jesus is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Joshua and the name literally means “Jehovah Saves”. This is the same as what the angel explained that his destiny will be about. So every time Jesus walked on the streets of Isreal and people call him, they are declaring his purpose and identity. No wonder they always received salvation and deliverance. That name is still working today because whosoever calls upon his name receives salvation (Romans 10:13).

The name you are called is supposed to be a summary of your identity and purpose. The name you also call anything whether your business or possession should help to create a picture in the minds of people about the purpose of that thing.

Names are not meant to be spontaneously given but deliberate and intentional. It ought to be God-breathed and Holy Spirit inspired.

Stay edified.

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Ademola A.

He is the Lead Pastor of Edify Ministry, a platform that God has used to enrich and establish so many lives for over a decade, giving them focus and direction through sound teaching of the Word and demonstration of the Spirit.