THE CHILDREN'S SURNAMES

By a surname we usually mean a name by which a whole family and indeed a number of families are known. In Scripture however it has the sense more of a 'pet name' expressing fondness for the person concerned or referring to some feature of the person's character. God gave to Solomon when he was a new-born babe an affectionate name meaning 'Beloved of Jehovah', although it appears that he was not generally known by this name. Remarkably enough also a Gentile king, Cyrus, who helped God's people to return to Jerusalem was surnamed though the name of affection does not appear to be given. In New Testament times there is the well-known instance of Simon being surnamed Peter. The circumstances were that he had confessed that Jesus was "the Christ the Son of the living God". The Lord Jesus discerned in him the firm rock-like work of God and surnamed him 'Stone', suitable material for a place in the spiritual house being built.

To James and John, the sons of Zebedee, the Lord Jesus gave the surname of "Boanerges, that is Sons of thunder". This may have been due to some natural zeal such as showed itself when they would call down fire from heaven upon certain persons who had disregarded their beloved Master. They had to learn, as we do, that the true spirit of a disciple is one of grace. Thunder however is something heard by everyone and demanding their attention. Each of these great men, though now dead, speaks loudly of God's ways with believers in His testimony. James was slain a martyr soon after the Holy Spirit came to indwell believers: John however, lived to be quite old and would no doubt always remember a mysterious word about himself from his Master: "If I will that he abide till I come what is that to thee? Follow thou me".

It is interesting that in connection with God's promise regarding the blessing in this earth of Israel His people, Isaiah shows that there will be an eagerness to be counted on with those blessed. For instance "one shall say, I am Jehovah's"; another, to make even more certain, will write those words down with his own hand and will "surname himself by the name of Israel" so as to ensure acceptance. It is good if every believer, young and old, on the Lord Jesus Christ is as eager to share in the spiritual blessings available "in Christ" by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Are you?

J.C.Evershed