NAME

Name

Spelled Pronunciation [neym]
noun, verb, named,
–noun
1. a word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known.
2. mere designation, as distinguished from fact: He was a king in name only.
3. an appellation, title, or epithet, applied descriptively, in honor, abuse, etc.
4. a reputation of a particular kind given by common opinion: to protect one's good name.
5. a body of persons grouped under one name, as a family or clan.

Shakespeare says that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, and that is absolutely true. On the other hand, there is such a wide variety of roses. Each one has a unique scent unto itself. Some smell sugary sweet. Others have a spicy scent. Still others give off an air of innocence and mildness. And at the same time all of the roses are virtually the same. Their genus provides that they grow on canes, that they have thorns, that they produce exquisite flora. The rose has long been a symbol for love and friendship and sympathy and many other emotions.
The rose is comparable to the Name of God. He is Creator. He is Wonderful Councilor, Great Protector, Yahweh, and Adonai. He is the Great I Am. He is Jesus, Emmanuel, Savior, Christ, King of Kings, and Merciful Lord. He is Wisdom, and the Word. He is The Still Small Voice. There are countless other names by which we know our God. All of these names tend to our souls in a different manner. When we are lost, we speak to the Shepherd who guides our way. When we are lamenting our sinful natures, the Savior gives us hope. He is the same God, the one God, and the mighty God. But he has many faces for us, His people. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Similarly, our God by any other name, is as awesome.