What's Your Name?

God said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel. ” So he named him Israel. (Genesis 35:10 NIV)

Names meant a lot in biblical times.  They were the identity of the person, not simply what they were called by.  "Jacob" meant "one who follows" or "one who comes behind" because he was born right behind his twin brother, Esau.  Later, God changed Jacob's name to Israel. meaning "one who prevails with God."

There are several name changes in the Bible... Abram to Abraham; Sarai to Sarah, Simon to Peter (the Rock), Saul to Paul... to name the most memorable.  But Jesus changed names in another way too... he changed "adultress" to "fresh start"; "outcast" to "daughter"; "broken" to "healed"; "sinful" to "forgiven."

We too have picked up our names that lable us:  unlovable, shameful, worthless.  They are distortions, but we come to believe them, especially if we have been labled by people we trusted.  But God renames us!  He names us "beloved," "precious child."  To whom should we listen?

When God changes your name, it is changed indeed.  Listen to this song that will help you hear the new name God has given you: "I Will Change Your Name"

Father,
Help me to reject the negative names I have received in this world and embrace only the special, loving name you have given me.  Amen.