December 12, 2008 our third child was born. Elijah Graham was about six weeks early, but is healthy and well so Nicole and I are grateful. We named him Elijah because we knew that is what the Lord wanted him to be called. In the scriptures, God speaks often to parents about the name they should give their child. Too often, I think parents look for the most unique or popular name for their child rather than seeking God as to what their child should be called.
The Jewish nation knew about the importance of the Father’s blessing. This is why the birthright was so significant. Taking a look at Jacob and Esau, the most significant aspect of their story is that Esau was willing to sell his birthright or father’s blessing for some stew.
29Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. 30And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.) 31Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” 32Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” Genesis 25:29-34 ESV
The fact that Esau despised his birthright is significant. Eventually, Isaac would bless Jacob instead of Esau. The words of the father to his son would appoint the son to his destiny. Jacob, the second born would be the patriarch of a great nation…Esau would not.
In contemporary society, it is imperative that we translate the biblical example. Too often the rituals of scripture are relegated to the ancients and deemed inoperable in our day. We call our children by their names everyday. These names should bring blessing to their lives. They should form the seed of their destiny in Christ. This can only happen however, if we seek God for their name.
Our first child’s name is Seth. Nicole’s first pregnancy ended in miscarriage. We were devastated and wondered if she would be able to get pregnant again. When she did become pregnant a second time, we found out that we were going to be blessed with a little boy. We knew his name would be Seth. His name means “appointed one.” After Cain killed Abel, Eve bore a son named Seth. Eve said “God has appointed me a son for the one I have lost.” How fitting and significant that God would give us this name for our firstborn. Each time I call Seth’s name, I am proclaiming God’s blessing upon him because he is appointed by God.
Our second is Sophia. Her name means wisdom. The scriptures indicate that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Whenever I call her name, I am blessing her with the fear of the Lord yielding wisdom in her life. I pray that God’s wisdom will be in her heart all the days of her life.
Elijah’s name means “The Lord is God.” As his father, when I speak his name I am reminding him of his birthright in Christ. To be clear, I do not adhere to the theology that suggests men can impart God’s anointing or favor. I do believe in the biblical example of fathers blessing their children. I also believe it is imperative that fathers should seek God for the names of their children…and when those names are spoken it is a reminder of the child’s destiny in Christ.
