Daily Devotional – Monday, September 19, 2022
“For I will restore health to you, and heal you of your wounds,” says the LORD. “Because they called you an outcast saying: “This is Zion; No one seeks her.””
Jeremiah 30:17 (NKJV)
In most cultures, names have immense significance. Consequently, when relating with man, God often directs a change of names to signify the onset of a closer relationship between the two parties and change of character by human beings.
Your Name Shall be Abraham
In Genesis 17:5, God tells Abram, “No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.” (Genesis 17:5). Abram or ‘exalted father’ became Abraham, the “Father of a multitude”.
At ninety-nine years of age, the man of faith made a covenant with God. Despite his advanced age, Abraham would become the father of multitudes through an unborn child. This change of name signified entrenching of the relationship between Abraham and God.
Your Name is Jacob
ears later, Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, underwent a name change, too. God told him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” (Genesis 35:10).
The name ‘Jacob’ meant ‘supplanter’ and had connotations of dishonesty and craftiness. This was an apt description of a man who would later deceive Isaac, steal Esau’s birthright, and defraud Laban.
However, when Jacob surrendered to God, the Almighty named him ‘Israel’, which means ‘Triumphant with God’, among other denotations. This change of name implied God’s forgiveness and change of character by Jacob.
Why You Need a Change of Names
The people around Abraham and Israel could attest that indeed the two were different people after recommitting themselves to God. We cannot have a practical relationship with Jesus and remain the same in thinking, attitude and character.
Even if we do not undergo a literal name-change, the world can tell whether God dwells in us. Actually, people can accurately give us names based on our character traits. Today, submit yourself to God and ask for a name change – the kind of character transformation that will lead people to say you have been with Christ.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, change my character and give me a new name.
Please leave a comment after reading this devotional.
Indeed, many characters in the bible had their names changed by God.. Abraham, Jacob, Peter , Paul…and one thing common why they received and experienced this change i believe might be because the new name was a way to reveal the divine plan and also to assure them that God’s plan would be fulfilled in them.
When Our Names are changed, spiritually we get a more intimate identity with God and We’re orchestrated in His plan for our lives.
Amen, Doc. Thank you for adding value to this devotional. God bless you.