Send to Kindleby James Collins
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” Philippians 2:9
I grew up in the country. One of the funny things about country people is they often name their children multiple, crazy names. You can’t be country unless you have at least two or three names. Country folks have names like Billy Ray; or Bobby Joe; or Billy Bob; or Elvis Ray; or Cletus Bocephus; or my cousin Jimmy Joe Jeff Johnny Paul Ray Elmer Junior –we just called him Bubba.
I think the craziest name I ever heard was Wow. Many years ago, a couple lived not far from where I grew up. They were in their 60s. They thought they were past the age to have children. They were at an age when they were looking forward to grandchildren.
Unexpectedly and miraculously, grandma conceived, and she had another son, twenty years after she had her last one. The birth was such a miracle, that she named her little boy Wow. W-O-W. Wow. That was his name. You could spell it backwards. Wow. He grew up as Wow.
Wow hated his name with all his heart. However, out of respect for his momma, he never changed it. He was always known as Wow. He got married. He had a family. He lived a long life.
On his deathbed, Wow called for his wife. He said, “Honey, I’ve never shared this with you, but I hate my name. I’ve always hated the name, Wow. I don’t want people coming to my graveside and looking at a tombstone and saying, ‘Wow.’ So, here’s what I want you to do. On my tombstone put the date of my birth, the date of my death, and write any inscription that you want. But don’t put my name.”
Wow died, and his wife honored his last wish. She had his tombstone inscribed with the date of his birth, the date of his death, and toward the bottom of his tombstone she had the following inscription. It said:
He worshipped the ground his wife walked on.
He was a devoted husband.
He opened every door.
He pulled out every chair.
He ironed all his own clothes.
He never looked at another woman for 50 years.
He did everything his wife told him to do.
When people came to the graveside and looked at the tombstone, all they could say was, “Wow!”
Wow had a name that could not be forgotten. However, there is one name that will never be forgotten. It’s not the name of a hero or historian. It’s not the name of a soldier or a scholar. It’s not the name of an actor, author, or athlete. It’s not the name of a politician or a president. There is one name when the dust settles that will be spoken and shouted. There is one name that will be worded and worshipped. His name is Jesus Christ!
The Bible says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” The word “above” means “more than.” It comes from a Greek word that means “incomparable.” There is one name that cannot be compared to any other name. It’s greater than Gandhi. It’s mightier than Mohammad. It’s more exciting than Elvis. It’s more overwhelming than Oprah. The Bible says there is one name that can’t be compared to any other name. His name is Jesus Christ!
The point is: God has given the Lord Jesus Christ a name which is above all names. If you don’t know Him, you can call out His name in prayer today. You might pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust You as Savior and follow You as Lord in the fellowship of Your Church. In Jesus Name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer today, I encourage you to find a Bible believing church and start growing in Christ. Your life will never be the same.
James Collins is a pastor, writer, and columnist. Find out more about his ministry at www.thepointis.net.