What's in a Name?

 

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Do you know who wrote the famous phrase, "That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet?"  I'll give the answer at the end of this post, but first, let's think about that phrase.  Do you believe it's really true?  Suppose we call a rose by the name sewage or maybe scum, would it still smell as sweet to you?  Chances are, the word would perhaps subconsciously influence your feelings about the rose.

And so, we might examine the question:  What's in a name?  Here are some examples of questionable names:

--The town of Graveyard Falls.  Is this a place you would choose to live?

--A tattoo parlor called "Poisoned Pen" (sign pictured above).  Would you bare your arm for a tattoo there?

--Jezebel.  Would you choose this name for your daughter? 

--You might own a house that is not really a home.

Are you satisfied with the name you were given at birth?  One woman (1882-1975), who became a philanthropist and art collector, could surely have gone to court and changed her name - and one wonders why she didn't.  Her name?  Ima Hogg.  Ima was named after an epic poem written by her uncle.  It's no surprise that she went through a lifetime of questions and teasing about her name.  They say she tried to downplay her name by scrawling it illegibly.

There is a Roman proverb that says, nomen est omen, which means "the name is destiny," which was a common belief in the ancient world - and there is some truth to that.  

What's in a name?  Let's look at some names that the prophet Isaiah listed in chapter 9 of his namesake book:  "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end," verses 6-7.

These powerful names describe Jesus Christ and He IS wonderful!  In fact, scripture makes it plain when Peter made the statement, "for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved," Acts 4:12.

Names can make a difference, and there is no name in creation that makes a bigger difference than the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Answer to first question:  

William Shakespeare wrote the famous quote in his play, "Romeo and Juliet."