top of page
Featured Posts
Button

What's in a Name

  • Writer: Mike Gaylor
    Mike Gaylor
  • Aug 14
  • 3 min read

 

 

Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob…

Gen 32:28

 

 

For parents, one of the most powerful moments in life is when they name their children. And, for better or worse, we are stuck with the tag. Granted, we can embrace a nickname or shorten our given name to make it roll off the tongue, but by and large we carry our label. We are known by our name.

For this reason, a good name is to be preferred and should be considered a gift not to be squandered. In contrast, a strange or unusual name is something to overcome. A name can also be a tripwire on the path of life casting us as a villain before our metal can be tested. Incorporated into one of Charles Dickens’ novels is the famous phrase, “he almost lived up to his name.” Biblical names are always an advantage with the exception of Judas or Jezebel. In many cultures names carry meaning and significance. Indian names were given based on what was going on at the moment of the child’s birth. If I had adopted that approach our son would have been named Stormy Night.

ree


In Judaism, names carried meanings and were very important. Abram means exulted father which no doubt stung a bit since most of his life he was fatherless. God changed his name to Abraham, meaning father of a multitude, this before his first son was born. His son Isaac means laughter, named after Abraham’s comical outburst at the impossibility of having a child in his old age. Following his brother Esau out of the womb, Jacob had a firm grip on his heel. His name meant heel-grabber which well described Jacob’s life as a deceiver. His days were spent tripping others until a midnight wrestling match in the desert. God changed his name to Israel meaning one who wrestles with God and prevails. Jesus changed the name of Simon to Peter to better define his future ministry. James and John were given the nickname, “Boanerges” meaning sons of thunder. Saul adopted his Roman name before going on a missionary journey to reach the Gentiles, thus, the Apostle Paul.

In the case of Lucifer, a name change took place as a result of his rebellion against God. He was now called Satan. His original name meant light bearer, daystar, the shining one in contrast to his new name which means adversary or the one who opposes. In the New Testament Satan was given a second name, Diabolos. The bride of Christ had entered the scene, and all Satan could do was point his boney finger in an accusatory fashion. The name Devil means the accuser of the brethren. However, the position of the church is secure causing her life on earth to be beyond his fruitless accusations. In fact, God has given his children a new name indicating a new family linage.

Perfect in standing, and made holy by the new birth, every child of God carries the blessed name of saint. We may still be identified by the name our parents gave us but in the courts of heaven, as well as on earth, we carry that higher name. As exciting as this is, Jesus has promised us one more name change. “To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’” (Rev 2:17) We will glory in our new name, whatever it will be, because it represents our new identity. Gone is the stain of our past lives, buried in the love and blessed forgetfulness of the One who gave his life to plant our feet on the streets of the New Jerusalem. “They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” (Rev 22:4) Bearing his name in our foreheads our name will be changed no more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 
 
 

Comments


Recent Posts
Archive
Search By Tags
Follow Us
  • Facebook Basic Square
  • Twitter Basic Square
  • Google+ Basic Square

FOLLOW ME

  • Facebook Classic
  • Twitter Classic
  • c-youtube

© 2023 by Samanta Jonse. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page