A Powerful Name

Thursday - August 5th

Scripture to Read Today: Psalm 29:1-11

---

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;

worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

Psalm 29:2

The full Mori name for a hill in southern Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, is "Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu."

Yep, that is one word - one name. The hill rises to 1,001 feet and is notable for its incredibly long title, usually abbreviated "Taumata" for convenience.

According to Guinness World Records, the hill's name (with 85 characters) is the world's longest place name. The name is an ancient name, and it translates as "The place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed, and swallowed mountains, known as a land-eater, played the flute to his loved one." You can CLICK HERE to hear a Mori national pronunciation of the full name.

The ancient name means a lot historically and culturally to the Mori people in that region. They are appropriately proud of the ancient hill title. No one would argue that the sheer length of the name makes that name more powerful or more substantive than any other name. But, it is an interesting and notable name.

The Scriptures give many distinct names or titles of God. Ultimately, the Bible helps us understand that His name carries weight and has power. The New Testament makes it very clear that the only name that has the ability to save is the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12). It is the very name of Jesus to which all will ultimately bow - either in joy or in judgment (Philippians 2:9-11). In the incarnation of God the Son, God forever gave us an accessible name through which we are saved, pray, and serve - the name of Jesus.

As followers of Christ, we not only find our salvation in the name of our God, but we find our strength and hope in His mighty name. Throughout God's Word, we are called upon to lift up and worship the name of the Lord. Psalm 29:2 says, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness." His name is worth our adoration and praise.

The name of Jesus is much more accessible and powerful than the 85-character name of a hill in New Zealand. It is a name worthy of our praise! Take the time today to acknowledge to God that He deserves honor and glory. Then, lift up the name of Jesus - the name of salvation, hope, peace, and strength!

The name of Jesus deserves our worship, and offers us rescue from sin and security in life!