Names

In the story of Ruth, the meaning of peoples names are significant.

‘Naomi’ means “pleasant”, but having endured the loss of her husband and both sons, she asks her Jewish relatives to call her ‘Mara’, which means “bitterness”.

Naomi’s dead husband was Elimelech, which translates from the Hebrew as ‘My God is King’, whilst her sons were named Mahlon [‘Weak with Illness’] and Kilion [‘Grieving’]

And Ruth’s name has since entered the language as a little-used noun meaning ‘pity’ or ‘compassion’ [we more often use it’s negative form, ‘ruthless’...]


So - what’s your name?

What does it mean? [There’s a book here to help you to find out...]


If you had to choose a name for yourself - something that described your state of being right now, today - what would you choose? [Naomi chose ‘Bitterness’]

Think about it. Write it on a label.

Take a few moments to talk to God about why you chose that name.

God would love to meet you where you are, as you are, right now.

Take your label away with you, as a reminder of this.

ps...

[Have you ever been saddled with a name that you’ve not
wanted?

Something hurtful, a nick-name maybe, or a label, or an insult that’s somehow stuck...?

If you have, write it on a label.
Look at it.

That is not the name that God knows you by.


Drop that label in the flip-top bin.

Leave it behind you as you go.

Leave it behind you.]