What's In A Name?

What's In A Name?Reader: Jon WatsonDate: 5th November 2022Passage: Ezekiel 48:35-------------------Have you ever wondered how certain towns and villages got their names? Some places have taken the names of the important people who owned the land they were built on, or who captured the place in war. Other places are called after the work that was common there. We used to live in a town called King William's Town, named after the British king at the time of its founding. Place names can be fascinating because they can often tell you quite a bit about the history of the place or region.When we ask 'what's in a name?' the answer can be, actually, quite a lot. Take for example the name of the city that is mentioned in the last verse of the Prophecy of Ezekiel. In Hebrew it was called Yahweh — Shammah, meaning 'The Lord is there'. This was a glorious city that Ezekiel saw in a vision God had given him. All the measurements of the city were given as well as its precise location. But the most important aspect was the fact that God was to be there - right in the middle of his people, living with them and keeping them safe. There is a similar vision given in the last book of the Bible, Revelation. In both cases, what we are given is a vision of heaven, the heavenly city where God is and where all his people will be gathered in glory one day. Of course a city needs citizens! Heaven is for God's people. This leads me to ask you, "Are you one of God's people through faith in Jesus?"PrayerDear Lord, help me to be yours through my trust in Jesus for salvation. Amen.