My son was setting off on an extended trip and called to say goodbye. When he hung up he said, “Bye Grams.” My youngest son just calls me “Mom.” My oldest son hugs me at farewells and says, “Goodbye Mama.” My daughters call me “Mom” and the grandchildren call me “Grammy.” Each name signifies something slightly different. Each one holds a lot of meaning.

In Bible times, the name given to a baby was not a random choice. The name meant something, often a desire of the parent for the future of that child. Naomi meant “my delight.” Jonah was “a dove.” Ben meant “son of my right hand.” When the Ark of the Covenant was taken from the Children of Israel, the wife of Phinehas named her child “Ichabod” to signify that “the glory is departed from Israel.”

Also, it was customary to give a person a new name when he or she entered a new relationship. We see it when God made His covenant with Abram and his name became Abraham. At the same time, Sarai, Abraham’s wife, became Sarah. Later, Jacob became Israel when he wrestled with the Angel of the Lord.

Thinking of the significance of names reminds me of all the different names of Jesus. Isaiah 9 prophesies of a coming Messiah, calling Him Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. For the Children of Israel, hearing those names must have set high hopes for their future King! Centuries later, Jesus brought salvation to mankind through His shed Blood. Once we have received that salvation, our relationship with Him changes. He becomes our Emmanuel, Redeemer, Savior, Lord, Brother, and Friend. These are not just casual terms we are throwing around—these are names that reflect our deep love for Him and His love for us.

The Book of Revelation says when Jesus returns with ten thousands of His saints, there will be a name written on His thigh and on His robe, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. No one else could ever be worthy of such a name! On that day, we want to be among His saints and those who call Him by that name.

Today, take time to think about the names of Jesus and their significance, and thank Him for all He is to you.