The Yorubas (an ethnic group in South West Nigeria) exercise a lot of discretion when they give names to children. They believe that names are pathfinders for the bearers. After Usain Bolt picked the gold medal in the 100 meters at the Rio 2016 Olympics, George Howell of CNN was wondering what could probably be the secret to his success. He quizzed a fellow news analyst if the magic was in that name, Bolt. If that holds, then there is something in names after all. There are a few characters in the Bible whose lives were defined by their names. Jacob means a cheat; and he lived that out. Nabal means folly and his foolishness led to his death.

The name of Jesus is above all names. Before birth the angel had announced that He would be called Jesus, meaning Saviour, because He would save people from their sins. That name took on greater honour and authority after Jesus overpowered Satan. In that name is salvation from sin, sickness, and death. When we call on that name by faith in prayer, heaven pays attention and the gates of hell are shaken. What a blessed heritage of the children of God!