THE CHILDREN'S NAMES

Most names that children are given have a meaning which, in many cases, comes from a language other than their own. The persons in the Old Testament whom we feel we know best were named from events at their birth or from some expectation of what their history would be. All these details have lessons for us for whom the Scriptures were written.

The names of the first two children to be born are well known. Cain means much the same as our word 'gain', whereas Abel means a mere 'breath'. It is quite likely that they were twins but in any case they both had the same parental care and the same teaching about their Creator. When grown-up however the first, with the more high-sounding name, thought that God would accept him because of what he could himself do. But Abel by faith - which comes by paying attention to God's word - brought from the flock a more excellent sacrifice. Therefore he was accepted, as we say of believers now, in the worth of Christ and His work of atonement.

When Solomon was born God sent a special messenger with a new name meaning that the child was "Beloved of Jehovah". This shows how God has longings for the very youngest. Although the name was not apparently used it must have been a wonderful secret as the child grew up! A baptised child also has a wonder, a secret - that his or her name has been need in the same sentence as the great revealed name of God who looks for an answer to His intense longings

In the New Testament the only names recorded at birth are those of the Lord Jesus and of John who was to be His forerunner. The latter name tells us something about God, being a short form of a word meaning 'God is gracious'. But Jesus was God Himself come into human infancy and at once named as a Saviour. How the heavenly host must have rejoiced when they said "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good pleasure in men". It seems that angels do not sing but it is the privilege of every child to sing the praises of the Lord. Do you rejoice to do this or must the stones themselves cry out?

J.C.Evershed