What A Difference A Name Makes

What a Difference a Name Makes

How would you like to go on a tropical vacation to the Sandwich Islands? Mmmmmm. Sandwiches. Okay, what about Hawaii? Would you want to walk the sandy beaches of that island paradise?

If you’re a history buff, you’ll know that the Sandwich Islands and the Hawaiian Islands are actually one and the same. When Captain James Cook discovered the Hawaiian Islands on this day in 1778, he named them the Sandwich Islands to honor John Montagu, who commanded the British Navy and was the fourth Earl of Sandwich. But that name only lasted about forty years, because by 1819, King Kamehameha had united the islands as the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Names have special meaning and significance. Just hearing a name can conjure up strong feelings and images. When you say the name Hawaii, you might immediately think of beautiful beaches, surfing, and hula dancing. But when you hear the word sandwich, you might think of a delicious meat-filled treat between two pieces of bread. In the Bible, names often describe a person’s calling or position. For instance, the name Adam means “earth” or “man.” Sometimes God would even change a person’s name to describe a new story or promise for the future. Abram became Abraham, and Sarai became Sarah, to remind them of the promise that many nations and descendants would come from their family (see Genesis 17:1, 4-5). Jacob became Israel as a reminder of the strength he showed when he wrestled with God, and as a blessing to him (see Genesis 32:28-29). And Saul, a persecutor of the early church, became Paul after his conversion.

Incidentally, the sandwich is named after John Montagu. As the Earl of Sandwich, he made putting meat between slices of bread famous—and the name stuck!

Daddy-Daughter Time

You’ve probably had the same name since birth—unlike Hawaii. Look up the meanings of your first and middle names on the Internet. Many books and websites can help you in your search. Talk about the meanings of your names and what they say about God’s calling on your life. Do you see a connection? Fathers, tell your daughter how you chose her name. Hopefully, you didn’t name her after the inventor of the sandwich.

What’s The Word?

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. . . . This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.”   Genesis 17:1, 4-5