What’s in a name? More than anything else about us, it identifies us.
I have never had my own name. As a child, I was known as my father’s daughter, with his name. I carried the name my parents gave me.
When I married, I took my husband’s name, though I retained my father’s, too.
When I was born again, God gave me a name that only belongs to me. This is the name that is written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
In some cultures, a person’s name stands for their character. Or what their parents hope they will be. My name Judith stands for “valor.” One of my predecessors killed Holferness and saved her people. This Judith shrinks from taking life from any living thing.
Living honorably brings honor to our name, whatever it is. In the immortal Romeo and Juliet, Juliet said to Romeo, “Deny your name.” The Montagues and Capulets were mortal enemies. But Romeo and Juliet loved each other. Romeo said, “A rose by any other name is still a rose,” signifying that we can’t be separated from our name and identity. Romeo was wise for so young a man. For he knew that even if he changed his name, to the Montegues he would always still be a Capulet.
God has given us a name—His name! That sets us apart from all other people in the world.
We call ourselves, “Christian.” God calls us, “My People.” He says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” My name, which only God knows, is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Praise His glorious name for evermore!
Thoughts From the Garden 