What’s In a Name

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
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What’s In a Name
Shakespeare famously wrote, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” Looking to Isaiah, we see his names for the coming Messiah: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Individually, these names could be applied to many earthly rulers. God has blessed humanity with countless men and women who fit these monikers in some way or another. But there is only One about whom these words were written, and only One who fits and fulfills these names perfectly.  It is the One on whom the Father bestowed “the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
Jesus is the Savior of the Nations, and it is in His name alone which we are given every triumph, blessing, treasure, and salvation. It is in His name where all who labor and are heavy laden come to find rest for their souls. It is in His name that sin, death, and the devil are defeated.
So what is in a name? Nothing less than the strengthening of faith, forgiveness of sin, salvation, and life eternal.