In my life there have been plenty. Here is just a blog-worthy sampling: Art the Fart, Arthur Fonzarelli, Art Fleming, Arthur-itis, Author, Artie-Baby, Artoo-Detoo (Star Wars fans get that). Who hasn’t been called names? We name things and give alternative names to people. We do so sometimes claiming that it is a form of flattery. Even a mandate from God! Didn’t he command Adam to name all living things? The process of naming is as old as creation. It used to be standard and universal that names were chosen either before, certainly at birth. Or on the eighth day, at consecration or christening. The royal families of England typically wait in dramatic fashion.

It’s not a big deal; I know that. I have finally become reconciled to my oft-derided, made-fun-of name which is oh-so nerdy (to me) and old-fashioned. I did get quite excited when one of the names under serious consideration for Prince William and Kate’s third child was Arthur. Now that would have been, as the Brits say, brilliant! I bear the name of my paternal grandfather in a more mature manner now.

The greatest name is, of course, the name above all Names. Jesus, our Lord. That, and all the other descriptive, holy, honorary titles. When you stop and think about it, the Bible is filled with instances of naming. We are defined and known by them. They mean something, sometimes everything to our identity. Isaiah 43:1 is one of my newer favorite verses. “But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Jacob, who became Israel. It is redeeming, sacramental, baptismal action. God calls us by name. Have you ever allowed yourself the wonder of imagining God’s voice, speaking your name, as you enter silent prayer? Astonishing, it is. Another incredible reversal of God, another instance of taking the negative connotation of name-calling and turning it right-side up. My dear named friends in Christ, it is precisely the One God, the only true God, who has the sort of unconditional love who calls out for us and to us. Blessed be HIS name!

Pastor Art