What's in a Name

Years ago, while managing projects for a building contractor, I would often write reminders on the palm of my hand so I wouldn’t forget the important tasks before me.  That simple habit reminds me of a powerful truth found in Scripture: God has written our names on the palms of His hands because we matter deeply to Him.

Isaiah 49:16 says, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”

God knows each of us personally.  He knows our names, our struggles, and our need for forgiveness.  He also remembers the great price that was paid so our sins could be forgiven—the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus endured terrible suffering for humanity.  He was beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross with spikes through His hands and feet.  A crown of thorns was forced onto His head as soldiers ridiculed Him, calling Him the King of the Jews.  Yet through all of His pain and suffering, Jesus remained committed to fulfilling God’s plan to save mankind.

Before He died, Jesus spoke the words, “It is finished.”  In that moment, the work of redemption was complete.  He willingly laid down His life so we could receive mercy instead of judgment, grace instead of condemnation, and eternal life instead of separation from God.  No one took His life from Him—He freely gave it out of love for us.

Even after His death, a soldier pierced His side with a spear, but the victory had already been won.  God’s purpose had been accomplished.

I often think about the scars in Jesus’ hands and what they represent.  To me, they are a constant reminder of His unfailing love, compassion, and sacrifice for every one of us.

Acts 4:12 tells us, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

So what’s in a name?

There is one name above all others—the name of Jesus Christ, the only name through whom we can find salvation and eternal life.

Written by,

Papa Boyd