For most of us, nothing is more personal than our names. Hi, I’m Tom Ellsworth from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with a minute message.
Have you ever been addressed by the wrong name? Awkward, isn’t it? Do you ignore the mistake or correct the person? And the longer the error persists, the greater the embarrassment when the truth is finally revealed. If our names weren’t so personal we might not feel so uncomfortable. And have you noticed how misleading certain names are? For instance, a hamburger is the name of a classic American sandwich, but there’s not even a hint of ham in it. Chinese checkers originated in England. Pencil lead isn’t lead; it’s graphite. Catgut comes from sheep. Head cheese is a meat product and mincemeat is a fruit product. No wonder we get confused!
Names are important to God, too; the good news is he will never forget your name nor confuse you with someone else. Centuries before the birth of Christ the prophet Isaiah wrote about his name: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given…And his name will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Now that’s a name worth remembering forever!