Aptronyms
December 10, 2015
Isaiah 9:6 – For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
I learned a new word last year called aptronym. It is a name that matches the occupation of the character of its owners. In other words, an aptronym occurs when what a person is named also describes what they do. Here are some real aptronyms. Dan Druff – barber; Prince Fielder – baseball player; Sally Ride – astronaut; Robert Coffin – undertaker; Russell Brain – neurologist; Sue Yoo – lawyer; James Bug – exterminator. In Isaiah 9, the prophet prophesized the birth of Jesus. He gives four names to the Messiah that are, in a way, aptronyms because the names describe the character and mission of the Messiah. He is the wonderful counselor. Jesus has all knowledge and all wisdom and all insights. Some people give you advice and opinions. Jesus gives you the truth. He will never steer you wrong. He is also a Mighty God. As a Wonderful Counsellor, Jesus will tell you what is right, and as a Mighty God, he will empower you to do what is right. He is Everlasting Father. That phrase literally means one who cares for his children forever. As an Everlasting Father, he will always be there for you and will never leave you. He will always love you and provide for you and always take care of you. You are safe in his hands forever. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Where he resides, there is peace. Some folks bring chaos to your life. Jesus brings peace; peace with God and the peace of God. Ponder the wonderful names of Jesus as you journey to Christmas day.
I learned a new word last year called aptronym. It is a name that matches the occupation of the character of its owners. In other words, an aptronym occurs when what a person is named also describes what they do. Here are some real aptronyms. Dan Druff – barber; Prince Fielder – baseball player; Sally Ride – astronaut; Robert Coffin – undertaker; Russell Brain – neurologist; Sue Yoo – lawyer; James Bug – exterminator. In Isaiah 9, the prophet prophesized the birth of Jesus. He gives four names to the Messiah that are, in a way, aptronyms because the names describe the character and mission of the Messiah. He is the wonderful counselor. Jesus has all knowledge and all wisdom and all insights. Some people give you advice and opinions. Jesus gives you the truth. He will never steer you wrong. He is also a Mighty God. As a Wonderful Counsellor, Jesus will tell you what is right, and as a Mighty God, he will empower you to do what is right. He is Everlasting Father. That phrase literally means one who cares for his children forever. As an Everlasting Father, he will always be there for you and will never leave you. He will always love you and provide for you and always take care of you. You are safe in his hands forever. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Where he resides, there is peace. Some folks bring chaos to your life. Jesus brings peace; peace with God and the peace of God. Ponder the wonderful names of Jesus as you journey to Christmas day.