WHAT’S BEHIND A NAME
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Names have a lot of meaning. I was given a name by my parents from the Old Testament. The king who put Daniel in the lion’s den was King Darius. (I’m not sure why they chose that name since he wasn’t exactly a hero in the Bible.)
My middle name is Leaon. I am Darius Leaon Johnston. (The Leaon is my father’s first name.) I am the only white Darius I have ever met. And with a name like Darius Leaon Johnston most people see my name and expect someone with a much better tan than me.
When we think about the naming of God’s Son it is interesting God chose a common name. Jesus is from the Hebrew Yeshua, which is shortened from the Hebrew name Yehoshua. (You might recognize that as the name of Joshua—the great leader who took the children of Israel into the Promised Land and fought the giants in the land.
The name literally means, “Yahweh is salvation” or “The Lord saves.” It was God’s way of reminding us of the purpose of Jesus coming to earth. A purpose to save humanity from its sins and restore a right relationship with God.
When we see the baby lying in a manger, we should remember His purpose was to die for our sins. The shadow of a cross was on that manger. Every time Mary and Joseph spoke His name they were reminded of His purpose.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to remember and recognize God’s gift of Jesus to earth. Thanks for sending a Savior into the world to pay the price for my sins.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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