What's in a name?

This morning, as I finished a jog, I spotted a truck parked near mine. A contractor was enjoying a day off and fishing at the local reservoir. But as I read the name of his business (see picture) I had to laugh to myself. The first impression you create counts for so much when it comes to a business. The name of your business epitomizes that impression. Trust, professionalism and skill are some of the impressions you want to create. So, while "Shady" Tree service might have some visual associations with tree trimming that make sense....you might question the judgement that led to the name choice when it comes to the trust side of the relationship. Parents invest a great deal of thought, and possibly prayer, in the selection of a child's name. Even after the child has grown and established his or her own adult life, the name will remain. Another word for name is reputation. What do you think your name is...your reputation is...to others, to yourself and to the Lord? It is wonderful that, no matter what name we have been given, our reputation/name can reflect a transformation and also reflect the One who has transformed us and is transforming is, more and more into His image.

Luke 1:

⁵⁷ When it was time for Elizabeth's baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. ⁵⁸ And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.

⁵⁹ When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. ⁶⁰ But Elizabeth said, "No! His name is John!"

⁶¹ "What?" they exclaimed. "There is no one in all your family by that name." ⁶² So they used gestures to ask the baby's father what he wanted to name him. ⁶³ He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone's surprise he wrote, "His name is John." ⁶⁴ Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.

⁶⁵ Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. ⁶⁶ Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, "What will this child turn out to be?" For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.

blessings in the great name of Jesus,

Rob Smith