Ezra John: His Name

Ezra John.

We have always felt that choosing a baby name is important. Both Theo and I have wanted our kids to have strong, unique names that carry a lot of meaning. However, the names also have to be something that we like and something that goes along with our family. Tera Evelynne was named after the small town that I grew up in, and her middle name is the same as my Mom’s. Hezekiah James was named after the Biblical King who followed God and turned his people back to Him, and his middle name is after my father in law.

When we found out we were having another child, we were completely stumped on a name. It had to be meaningful. Not necessarily Biblical, but we do love the stories and meaning of so many Biblical names. And the name obviously had to go with Tera, Hezakiah and Hines. We don’t want any initials spelling out cuss words or anything like that lol!

We talked and debated for a long, long time. We had a few contenders, but none of them seemed to FIT. Even up until his delivery we weren’t sure what his name would be, but when he was born and the nurse asked his name, Theo and I looked at each other and then said

“Ezra John”.

So why Ezra John?

Ezra was a Biblical prophet who was sent to teach the Israelite people the laws of God. He also led a large group of the Israelite exiles back to Jerusalem, where they began to rebuild the walls of the city. The book of Ezra chronicles the Israelites  restoration of the temple (the place to worship God) and spiritual reformation (the return to knowing and following God’s law). The Biblical book of Ezra is also a huge billboard showing us that GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES.

There are so many themes in the book and life of the Biblical Ezra that we would like our Ezra to grow into. A leader who brought spiritual reformation in a culture that had lost their way. A leader who brought restoration to God’s city, God’s people and God’s place of worship. And a reminder to all that God keeps his promises.

Ezra means “Help”, and we hope and pray that Ezra grows into a man who helps. One who notices problems and helps to solve them. One who is not afraid to lead people in the right direction. One who helps lead people of his generation to follow God.

John is his middle name, and that is after my Dad, John. Theo and I are so blessed by the legacy of our parents. My Dad is a strong man of God who has an incredible way with people. His humor and people skills make anyone feel comfortable connected to him. One of his greatest skills is mentoring and teaching. We would be delighted if Ezra grows up to become like his Grandpa John.

Ezra’s theme life verse will Ezra 7:10

“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel.”

You can read the story behind Hezekiah’s name here.

You can read the story behind Tera’s name here.