Names are important.

You will probably guess the model of the car I stopped behind at a traffic light. It had been hit and crunched in the back. Someone cleverly changed the name to “Ouchback.”

Parents usually deliberate awhile on the name of their expected baby. Name meaning, an ancestor, a favorite place; all are considered in determining a name.

An interesting comment is attributed to T. R. Glover on the Roman Emperor who ruled at the time the Apostle Paul was ministering. He said the day was to come when men would call their dogs Nero and their sons Paul. I don’t know any dogs named Nero but I know a lot of men named Paul, whether or not they were named for the apostle.

A young engaged couple each had a supernatural encounter about the name of their son. An angel appeared to both Joseph and Mary with the news of a son to be born. They were given his name: Jesus. Not only was the name made known but his purpose as well; “he shall save his people from their sins.”

A prophecy of this child to be born is in Isaiah 9:6 where his name is called “Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Jesus fulfilled this many times in his ministry. He related to people and their needs through all of those titles. Since Jesus Christ is the “same, yesterday, and today, and forever,” he still can minister that way.

The Bible has many names of God that were revealed in times of need for people. Some are called compound names of Jehovah. In simple form, a few of them are Jehovah-Jireh, the God who Provides; Jehovah- Shalom, the God of Peace; Jehovah-Shammah, God is There. When you need provision, peace, or the Lord’s presence, he can be all of those and more for you.

The name Jesus is derived from a compound name of Jehovah as well; Jehovah has become Salvation. Jesus came “to seek and to save.” We’re thankful to be saved from a storm, wreck, earthquake, avalanche, bankruptcy, and other disasters; but most important is being saved from the damaging effects of sin. Jesus is the only saving name (Acts 4:12). The Bible promises that his name will also bring healing, deliverance, and answered prayer.

Disciples sent out by Jesus healed sickness and disease and they took dominion over spirits as well. They joyfully returned saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” Jesus told them to rejoice, “because your names are written in heaven.” Imagine the excitement John felt as he penned the Revelation of Jesus Christ, especially when he saw his name on one of the 12 foundations of the heavenly city (Revelation 21:14).

We are about to finish 2019 and begin the new year, 2020. Face each day with the power of the name of Jesus Christ. Pray with the psalmist, “Not unto us, O LORD, but unto thy name give glory.” When the name of Jesus Christ is glorified, great things will happen.

Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.

• Mitch Glover, For the Peninsula Clarion