Names are a set of words that you are identified by, called by, or known as. Your name speaks volumes about you.
God is interested in the names we are called by as it’s confirmed in Ephesians 3: 15 that the whole family in heaven and earth are named through God. Your name should reflect your faith and your relationship with God.
Our names according to the above scriptures should be traceable to God. Also, in the scriptures and our present-day world, it is common to see parents and relatives christening their children according to the circumstances surrounding their births.
A good example in the scripture is ‘Isaac’ which means laughter, ‘John’ which means God is gracious, and ‘Cole’ means victory of the people.
What is the meaning of your name? This is one question I wish to ask you, my reader.
God entered into covenants with a few people in the Bible and changed their names. Abram’s name was changed by God to Abraham to reflect the covenant (father of nations) God had with him, so likewise Sarai to Sarah.
Jacob (meaning a supplanter) was changed to Israel (one who prevails with God) after his encounter.
John the Baptist was given his name at birth (Luke 1 vs 13-17) by an Angel
This is the same for Jesus, the son of God, “he shall save his people from their sins’
Emmanuel means God is with us
Also, we were introduced to a man named ‘Nabal’ whose name meant ‘a fool’ in the book of 1 Samuel 25; and this is reflected in his character and disposition in life.
How can we forget Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4: 9- 10? His mother named him Sorrow because of the circumstances surrounding his birth and that was reflected in the encounters he had which were sorrowful.
The most interesting lesson from the story of Jabez is that you can change whatever negative meaning of your name by crying to God today. God is a merciful God and He is always willing to give you a new beginning if you can call on Him.
My dear friend, it’s not too late for you to have a covenant name and start afresh with God.
Jesus explained to a Pharisee called Nicodemus in John 3vs 1-5 how he could get a new name and the man was confused. “How can someone be born (get a new name and start all over again when they are old?) and Jesus simply explained how that transformation can occur; it starts from starting a relationship with God. Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh but Spirit gives birth to spirit”. God is committed to giving you a new name as you enter a covenant “by new birth with Him.”
“And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.”
Isaiah 62:2 KJV
Examine your ways, be truthful to yourself, and make up your mind to reconcile with God through His son Jesus Christ today.
If you are ready for an encounter with Yahweh, repeat after me:
Lord Jesus, give me a new heart and a new name.
I want to have a relationship with you through Christ who died for my sins.
Come into my heart and make me your child.
I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again to reconcile me with you.
I receive the new birth and I receive a new name
Thank you, Jesus.
