In some parts of the world, one’s family name is everything. As in, it opens and closes doors. So much so that even marriage is not allowed to ‘dilute’ the lineage – the name is kept, at least by the bride. Additionally, there are family names that carry global significance, so much so that we can’t imagine life outside of the name (eg Abercrombie and Fitch, Aldi, Suzuki, Chanel, Cadbury, Getty, Kraft, Toyota, McDonald). In Jamaica, there are family names that carry lots of sway, and it’s not uncommon to see members of the famous families profiled on Page 2 of our local paper. From this we realize names carry a lot of weight. They are imbued with power and authority. In today’s Holy Nougat, we are reminded that carrying God’s name also comes with opportunities.
“But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name–[Isa. 56:5.]” John 1:12 AMPC
As children of God, we are authorized to use God’s name and to call on God’s name in times of difficulty. It’s better than bitcoin and much more stable and safe than money in the bank. And while I say this in relation to spirituality, as children of God, carrying God’s identity can be as useful on the earthly plane too.
Now don’t mishear me, this is not an excuse or invitation to stop working because God will support us in all things or circumstances. I don’t doubt that God can, but that’s not what carrying God’s name is about.
Firstly, God is sovereign. God is The Ultimate Authority. There’s no ruler greater than our God. As children of God, we are royalty. What if we understood ourselves to be royalty, would we see or carry ourselves differently? Hebrews 1:8 says
“… Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice.” (Hebrews 1:8) As children of God, we are heirs to eternal life (ie forever and ever) and that we practice Justice in all our ways. Whereas eternal life is something we should look forward to, we recognize that we are authorized to be Just in our actions.
And, like the royal families around the world, God’s name sets God apart from other beings in the spiritual realm. It stands to reason that we also are set apart, or recognized as such. Peter, Jesus’ disciple, puts it this way: “… you are a chosen people … a holy nation … Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people (see 1 Peter 2:9-10). That’s what holiness entails. Yes, there’s more to holiness, but the ‘set-apartness’ is a very special designation. We are set apart by God’s name and nature, in the public and private spaces.
Lastly (for this nougat), we recognize that God is Provider. Genesis 1 shows us a God Who put everything in place for our needs before placing us in creation. Psalm 23:1 puts it more directly, The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing (Did you, like me, note the similarities between a king and a shepherd? A shepherd has sole responsibility for the sheep; for its rest, nutrition, exercise, safety and protection. In the world of the sheep, the shepherd is sovereign. The shepherd even has a ‘scepter’!). Nothing means Nothing! So if we find ourselves in need, as children of God, we are authorized to come in God’s presence and ask. And like children, we don’t worry about whether God will provide, we rest assured that as our Father, God will.
Remember, if we carry the name of God, there are expectations. So we might find God calling on us to share our blessings with others. Not for our glory, but for God’s. It’s about the family name. God’s name. A lot to live up to, but so much to gain!
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May all we seek be found in Christ
