What’s in a name?
I was named Patricia Elizabeth.
Patricia means of noble birth, and has its roots in Latin. Elizabeth is a biblical name meaning “my God is an oath.” *
In the early days of our friendship, my friend and her husband were talking, and Rick was trying to remember my name.
“You know, what’s her name, Tatiana.”
We have no idea where he got that name from, but it stuck, and to this day, that is how they refer to me. I love it. It sounds exotic, noble, and strong.
Tatiana also has its roots in Latin, though it is most commonly associated with Russian. It means nobility and grace, also embodying the meanings of a fairy queen or princess. There is even a Tatiana Day on January 25th in honour of Saint Tatiana. * There was also a Siberian tiger called that.
Have you ever wanted to have a new name? Take a new identity and start fresh?
In the Bible, names carried meaning—weight. Joshua (Yeshua in Hebrew), is the same as Jesus, and means “God is my salvation.” Moses meant “drawn out.” Joseph’s name meant “will add.”
In ancient days, men were often called names with son (bar) attached, such as Simon-Bar-Jonah. Names were often carried on through families. (Luke 1:59-61)
When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, he asked his name. The LORD replied, “I AM WHO IAM.” In Hebrew, YHWH. What an amazing claim; just I AM.
He is, was and is to come. (Revelation 4:8)
He has no beginning and no end. He just is.
Our puny minds can’t take this in, not in our present state. After all, according to scientists, we only use 10% of our brains.
The LORD tells us that believers in Christ will get a new name in heaven. God himself will give it to us: a new name, a new identifier. (Revelation 2:17)
Some people got new ones on earth.
- Abram became Abraham
- Sarai became Sarah
- Jacob became Israel
- Simon became Peter
What do you want your name to mean when you get to Heaven? Your personal name, one only between you and God.
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet.
But there is purpose to a name. It defines us, encourages us, strengthens us, and gives us hope.
I often laughed at the meaning of my name. “Noble birth, right!” I would guffaw. But other times it gave me hope that I could be more than I was. That God had another plan for me.
And he does. He has another plan, a better plan for all of us when we trust and follow him.
I don’t know what my name will be, but I want it to mean that I honoured God all my days, loved him and worshiped him as he is due. An intimate name that describes my relationship with him. But perhaps it will be a name that designates my eternal purpose and role. All I know is that it will be perfect and I will love it, because my LORD gave it to me.
What will be in your heavenly name? Dream of what it could be. Then let us live in a way that will reflect the name we long for our Lord to give us.
Be well!
Patricia
*From Ancestry.com