My fascination with names started when I was young, but it became something that spoke to my heart when I began student teaching. Half of my practicum was spent in kindergarten. I absolutely loved it! I remember being taken by one of the students in my class, a 5-year-old named Bill. It was such a big name for a little kid. I couldn’t help but think he was destined for great things and that his parents just knew he would leave such an impression wherever he went. He also had a rich family legacy that included a former FBI director and a Congressman. They all shared at least one name. His name meant something before he was even able to develop into the person God was growing him to be.
If you know me, you know that I keep a name list. I always say that one day I will publish a book about names that you’ll be able to find in the checkout lane at the grocery store. This list is my continued research that I get the privilege of walking through each day. In order to be on my list, the person has to exist. I had to establish this rule to protect the book’s integrity (lol). Although some of the names may be entertaining, each one represents a person, and each one was a gift that someone bestowed on their child, speaking into who they will become.
God chose to unveil the coming Messiah through the prophecy of Isaiah. When babies are born, parents have often narrow down their list of potential names, but they wait to name their child until meeting him or her face to face. In Isaiah 9, Isaiah reveals the names of God and, in turn, who God is. Jesus wasn’t just to be God’s namesake. He wasn’t meant to share only God’s name. He was to be God. That alone renders me speechless.
Mighty God. What an incredible name! Moreover, what an unbelievable statement of who our Messiah is. There is nothing greater. He is omnipotent, and everything is under his power. Even winds and seas obey him. Regardless of what he faced or walked through, Jesus was always victorious. Even death could not hold him. I am humbled and amazed to know him as my Savior and in awe that he strengthens me. I love the reminder to trust the might of our God. Just like King Ahaz, God instructs me to “Be careful. Be quiet, and do not fear.” Having the knowledge of what God says doesn’t empower me — God alone strengthens me and goes before me. I have to trust the truth that I know, and press into the life that he guides, provides, and sustains me in.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
— Philippians 4:13 ESV
But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me. — 2 Timothy 4:17 ESV
The confidence of my calling enables me to overcome every difficulty without shame, for I have an intimate revelation of this God. And my faith in him convinces me that he is more than able to keep all that I’ve placed in his hands safe and secure until the fullness of his appearing.
— 2 Timothy 1:12 TPT