What's In A Name?

Psalm 75
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm of Asaph. A song.
1 We praise you, God,
    we praise you, for your Name is near;
    people tell of your wonderful deeds.
2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;
    it is I who judge with equity.
3 When the earth and all its people quake,
    it is I who hold its pillars firm.
4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’
    and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.
5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;
    do not speak so defiantly.’”

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." – Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet

There is a lot to say about having a “good name”. Having a good name is synonymous with having a good reputation.  Sometimes people try to tarnish someone’s reputation by, “Dragging someone’s name in the mud!”   When you were young, you may remember your parents chastising you by saying, “You are not acting like a ________!” (Insert your last name!)

Today the psalmist praises God, because of His name, which he says is “near”.  In what sense is God’s name near?  It is near in the sense that God’s wonderful and powerful deeds tell of us greatness and proclaim His name for all to see.

Charles Spurgeon quoting Venema says in his commentary,
“The name of God is said to be near, because it had come into public notice, and was in every mind and every tongue—opposed to what is unknown and obscure, which is said to be far remote.”

Part of the way God revealed His name was through his judgment.  His judgment was just and impartial.  God judged heathen nations, and also the people of Israel. He even used foreign nations like Babylon and Assyria, to judge His own people. 

So how does this help us today?  I think it helps us to recognize that God’s Name is still the most powerful name in the world today.  We see the names of rulers and dictators being talked about in the media, and it can cause us to wonder what in the world is going on?  But we must remember that God is still in charge, and one day He will come again in great and promised glory to judge the living and the dead.   

Another way God revealed His name was by sending His Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus carried the name of “God’s only Son”, and in His name people were healed and delivered. Today as believers we pray, “In Jesus’ name”, which carries his weight, power and authority.     

Finally, Paul says in Philippians 2:9-11 about the name of Jesus,
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

What’s in a name? A lot. It is by the name of Jesus that we will be saved from our sin, and raised to eternal life. 






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