TITLE: “WHAT’S IN A NAME”
TEXT: Isaiah 9:6
TIME & PLACE: 31/08/08 ELBC
SUBJ: NAMES
THEME: WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THE NAMES OF GOD
P/S: E.P. CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THE NAMES OF GOD
T/S: BY REALIZING 5 ASPECTS OF HIM FOUND IN HIS NAMES THAT ARE SET FORTH IN THE TEXT.
INTRO: Isaiah 9:6 is probably one of the most profound verses of Scripture in the Old that Predicts, Proclaims and Provides us with a consummation of most all that God is and it does it by using various names attributed to God giving us a better understanding of all that he is. Names can be and are very interesting when we look at them a bit closer. Until the 14th Century most people had only one name. It has been estimated that in Medieval England 3 of every 5 men carried the name of Henry, Robert, John, William or Richard. As towns grew, so did the necessity to further identify individuals and families, thus requiring a second name or a surname. There were basically 4 ways a surname was adopted.
1. The Father’s name with the son immediately after it (Peterson, Woodson, Robertson….)
2. Words that identified where the person lived or came from (Hill, Woods, Forest….Van der berg, Westhuisen, Oushuisen, Van der linde, )
3. Words that identified what a person did for a living (Miller, Butcher, Baker, Taylor or Butler )
4. Also Nicknames were another way to acquire a surname usually based on a person’s personality, features or characteristics (Short, Long or Savage)
So we can see and conclude that names have been and are important. Names are interesting. They as well can define a persons authority (Dad, Preacher, Sergeant, General or President). A careful student of the word of God will see and understand that many Bible characters were so called for certain reasons. God after saving people would even change their name (Abram, Saul, Peter)
Names are not only interesting or defining of ones authority they can also define a persons skills. By knowing these skills we know whom to turn to when we have specific needs. (Doctor, Officer, Master electrician) . And names can as well define our personal attributes (Strong, bold, tall, compassionate or proud) Names can as well define our personal roles and relationships. For example with myself I maintain several name roles and relational names in my own lifestyle (Dad, Husband, Son, Neighbor, Friend, Pastor, Missionary or Leasor)
So we can see with us we hold many6 different names for many different reasons…..such is the case with God. I would hazard to guess how many different and various names for God could be found in a careful study of the Scripture, however contained within this one verse of Scripture we find 5 specifically mentioned and 3 others referred to (Child, Son and Governor) I want to this morning look at each one of these names and see what it is we can find preaching on this thought…..”WHAT’S IN A NAME”
I. IN “Wonderful” WE FIND THE REASON FOR OUR PRAISE
Note: This word is derived from the verb pa^la^', meaning to separate, to distinguish, or to make great. It is applied usually to anything that is great or wonderful. It is applied here to denote the unusual and remarkable assemblage of qualities that distinguished the Messiah.
A. BECAUSE OF HIS PROMISE
Act 13:32-33 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
B. BECAUSE OF HIS PARDON
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
C. BECAUSE OF HIS PROTECTION
Psa 18:2-3 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Note: He is Wonderful because of His Promise, Pardon and Protection and because He is all that to us He definitely deserves our Praise!
Song: His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;
He is the mighty King, master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
He's the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He;
Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
Appl: Is He Wonderful in your estimation? Does He get your Praise? If not it might just could be that you don’t see Him as Wonderful.
II. IN “Counselor” WE FIND THE REMEDY FOR OUR PROBLEMS
Note: denotes one of honorable rank; one who is suited to stand near princes and kings as their adviser. It is expressive of great wisdom, and of qualifications to guide and direct the human race.
A. HE IS THE COUNSELOR FOR MY TROUBLES
Ps34:4-6 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
B. HE IS THE COUNSELOR FOR MY TRIALS
Psa 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
C. HE IS THE COUNSELOR FOR MY TEMPTATIONS
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Note: In a day and age where everyone is looking for answers for all of life’s questions it is nice to know that He is The Remedy for our Problems and His Counsel will be right.
Appl: When you have Troubles, Trials and Temptations is He your Counselor when you need answers?
III. IN “Mighty God” WE FIND THE RESOURCE FOR OUR POWER
A. DUE TO HIS CREATIVITY
Col 1:16-18 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
B. DUE TO HIS CONTROL
Mt 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
C. DUE TO HIS COMMISSIONING
Mat 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Note: See in His name it denotes His absolute and Supreme Authority that He is the Resource of where all Power comes from. He told Pilate that he had no power except that Power were given him from above. So it is with us we have nothing within ourselves it comes from God and is given to us for God and His Glory!
Appl: Is He your Mighty God or are you looking for another power that this world has to offer?
IV. IN “Everlasting Father” WE FIND THE REFUGE FOR OUR PARADISE
Note: The word "Father" designates a quality of the Messiah with respect to His people. He acts towards them like a father. Isa 63:16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.
The quality of His Fatherhood is defined by the word Everlasting. The Messiah is the Everlasting Father.
A. IN THAT HE IS THE POSSESSOR OF ETERNITY
1Jn 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
B. IN THAT HE IS THE PROVIDER OF ETERNITY
Jn 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
C. IN THAT HE IS THE PROTECTOR OF ETERNITY
Jn 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one.
Note: I never knew the joy of having an earthly Father which made it difficult for me to understand and accept a Heavenly Father; however since trusting Him I have realized He is a Refuge for our Paradise .
Appl: Is He your Everlasting Father?
V. IN “Prince of Peace” WE FIND THE RESERVOIR FOR OUR PEACE
A. HE IS THE MANIFESTATION OF PEACE
Lk 2:11-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
B. HE IS THE MASTER OF PEACE
Mk 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
C. HE IS THE MINISTER OF PEACE
Jn 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Note: Many people look high and low and to and fro for peace, yet most look in the wrong place because Peace can only come from the “Prince of Peace”. Peace Came from Him, it is Controlled by Him and it is Commissioned by Him. As Paul’s letter to the Ephesians tells us …. Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Appl: Is He YOUR Prince of Peace? He can be…..
Conclusion: As you can see He is much more than we can even describe in 5 specific names mentioned in Isaiah…..He is much more than any of us can ever conceive…….
TO THE ARCHITECT HE IS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.
TO THE ASTRONOMER HE IS THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR.
TO THE BUTCHER HE IS THE LAMB OF GOD WHO WAS SLAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THIS WORLD.
TO THE BAKER HE IS THE LIVING BREAD.
TO THE CARPENTER HE IS THE MASTER BUILDER.
TO THE DIPLOMAT HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE.
TO THE DOCTOR HE IS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN.
TO THE EDUCATOR HE IS THE MASTER TEACHER.
TO THE ELECTRICIAN HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
TO THE FARMER HE IS THE LORD OF THE HARVEST.
TO THE FLORIST HE IS THE LILY OF THE VALLEY AND THE ROSE OF SHARON.
TO THE GEOLOGIST HE IS THE ROCK OF AGES.
TO THE HORTICULTURIST HE IS THE TRUE VINE.
TO THE JEWELER HE IS THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.
TO THE JUDGE HE IS THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE.
TO THE LAWYER HE IS THE CHIEF ADVOCATE.
TO THE PHILOSOPHER HE IS THE WISDOM OF GOD.
TO THE PUBLISHER HE IS GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.
TO THE SCULPTOR HE IS THE LIVING STONE.
TO THE THEOLOGIAN HE IS AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH.
TO THE ZOOLOGIST HE IS THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH .
IF YOU'RE HUNGRY, HE'S THE BREAD OF LIFE.
IF YOU'RE THIRSTY, HE'S THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATER.
IF YOU'RE BLIND, HE'S THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
IF YOU'RE LOST, HE'S THE WAY.
IF YOU'RE CONFUSED, HE'S THE TRUTH.
IF YOU'RE DYING, HE'S THE LIFE.
He is WONDERFUL - He is my DELIGHT
He is THE COUNSELLOR - He is my DIRECTION
He is THE MIGHTY GOD - He is my DEITY
He is THE EVERLASTING FATHER - He is my DEFENDER
He is THE PRINCE OF PEACE- He is my DIFFERENCE
Inv: Chorus “His Name Is Wonderful”
Serving with Gladness,
Bro. Michael Lovett
Ps 3:3
East London, South Africa