Today on social media it is not unusual to see someone use their maiden and married name so that old friends can search them easier. According to Google "some 90% of women who get married to men still adopt their husband's last name when they marry." Most women who use their maiden and married name are more established in their careers. In many areas of work, today, your professional name is tied to Google search results.
When I got engaged the thought of dropping my maiden name began to bother me. I was traditional enough that I also wanted to take Mike's name. But all my friends, everyone I have ever known, knew me by "Jill Jarrell". I was proud of my last name and who I was. My paternal grandmother was so proud of that name and she was a huge influence on my life and we shared that name. My surname shows I am my father's daughter and that was very important to me. Not because my dad was wealthy, famous or powerful but because he was my dad and I loved him. My Dad and I tried to tell Mike it would be easier if he would just become a Jarrell! He didn't so even though it was unusual in 1988, I legally hyphenated my name when I got married. There is something special about that name.
To a Christian the most special name is Jesus. If you want to see my blood boil let me hear someone use the Lord's name in vain. The third commandment tells us not to. Exodus 20: 7, "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." I am so saddened for God and for the person who is saying it so thoughtlessly. They are talking about my Heavenly Father! Most of us would not curse our mother or father or loved one, why would you think it is ok to curse your Heavenly Father?
When His name is being used as a curse word, God still hears it and it is recorded. His heart must be broken. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Colossians 3: 8, "But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,and filthy language from your lips." He also gave this instruction to the church in Rome. Romans 12: 14, "Bless those who persecute you;bless and do not curse."
What can we do with Jesus' name? We can praise His name because there is NO ONE like Him! Acts 4: 12, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Jeremiah 10: 6, "No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power." Whenever you feel distant from God all you have to do is call out to Jesus. That in itself is a prayer.
We are told to use His name because it is powerful. It will bless us beyond measure! John 16: 23, "In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 16: 24, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive,and your joy will be complete." Jesus can be so many things for us. Some days He is my Prince of Peace, other days he is something else such us Great Physician, Counselor, Rescuer, King of Kings, Heavenly Father, Comforter. Paul understood that when he said in Colossians 1: 29, "To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."
Philippians 2: 9-11, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Think about this. No name in this universe creates more power than Jesus. Positive or negative. Jesus means Savior because He came to save us from sin and death to give us eternal life. That is the best news! To admit we have a Savior is to admit we are sinners. Unfortunately that is offensive to those who do not feel the need to repent.
The name Jesus means "Savior or Messiah." God told Mary to call Him this when He was born because it would tell the world what He would do. He would save the world from sin and darkness and bring eternal life to all who believed in Him. Romans 6: 14, "For sin shall no longer be your master,because you are not under the law,but under grace." There is power in the name of Jesus! NO ONE else can this for us. Lest us remember Jeremiah 10: 6, "No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power."
Lift high the name of Jesus!
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