Naming Rights
Drive through any town and you wonder who ‘all those people’ were. Every street has a name. Every town building has a name. Parks have names. Airports and even schools have names. Lately our society has argued intensely about these names, even removing some. What is it about a name?
In those days, Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the word which he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), the word which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest; not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Acts 10.34-43
Names commemorate people worthy of public honor today, but it has not always been about honor. Sometimes names on places are about money and power. Such has been the case historically. Emperors, Kings, and Queens have always named places after themselves.
There is one Name that rises above all other names. He never named anything after Himself. He taught us to honor others above ourselves. At His name every knee will bow. His name is strong enough to work miracles. His Name is Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God.
In a society that encourages us to honor ourselves through naming rights, Christ dares to teach us to step back. “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9.35) “Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3.6)
If we want to be bold, and worthy of honor from God, we will refuse the honors of naming rights. Our honor is to reveal Christ, not ourselves. All miracles are done in the Name of God, not our name. More important than any miracle is to be forgiven by God, and that too is in His Name.
We pray in His Name. We bless others in His Name. I think it is about time we live in honor of His Name. Being associated with the Name of Jesus Christ should be what we desire instead of some street sign or building kiosk.
The best naming rights in the world is when we are called Christians. It may not always be a public honor, but it will be divine honor. I would rather have God.
