Daily devotional, 23 May 2024 What’s in a name
"But even the hairs of your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:30
One of the happy dilemmas of soon-to-be parents is deciding on the name of their baby. After all, names do not just identify us, studies say it can also affect our personality and influence our future.
The Bible is a testament to this too. Many of the people mentioned in the stories there have names that clue in to their character. One of the most famous is Jacob, whose name means “cheater.” He indeed cheated his brother Esau. First by getting his birthright, and then later on by robbing him of the blessing given to the eldest son.
"Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.” Then he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?”
Genesis 27:36
It is not all negative though because other characters also have names that testified to their exemplary character. The name Joshua for instance means “Yahweh is Salvation.” And indeed he has played a huge part in the history of Israelites as Moses’ successor. After Moses’ death, Joshua led the Israelites out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land.
"As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses."
Joshua 11:15
There were also several name changes in the bible that marked some change in the personalities of the characters. Biblical scholars say name changes are part of the new beginning and hope given to us by God as we grow in faith.
"The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow." Isaiah 62:2
One of the most popular examples is Simon, one of Jesus’ first disciples. Our Lord and Savior changed his name into Cephas or Peter, and he later on became the first Pope of the Catholic Church.
"Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hellshall not prevail against it."
Matthew 16:16-18
As for the Old Testament, one of the most popular stories of changing names is again Jacob. From Jacob which meant cheater, God changed his name to Israel.
"Then the man asked, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered.The man said, “From now on, your name will no longer be Jacob. You will be called Israel, because you have wrestled with God and with men, and you have won.”Jacob said, “Now tell me your name.” “Don't you know who I am?” he asked. And he blessed Jacob.Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face, and I am still alive.” So he named the place Peniel." Genesis 32:27-30
So what is the point of all these stories about biblical characters and their names? Well, it is meant to highlight that each of us are known by the Lord even before we are conceived. Amongst everyone in the universe, He all knows us by name. He knows our life history, He knows what we are going through, and He has planned our future. His deep knowledge about us (including our sins) did not make Him think twice about sending His only begotten Son to redeem us, because He cares for us.
"I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen. I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me."
Isaiah 45:3-4
When we acknowledge that our Lord and Savior personally knows us and calls us His own, we can finally say that what others think of us is no longer important. We will no longer be bothered nor burdened to keep up with everything that this world values. We will only think of abiding by the Lord and doing what pleases Him.
"But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;I have called you by name, you are mine."
Isaiah 43:1
And when we live a life of worship, we know that our Lord will never overlook our faithfulness and loyalty, and will bless us with a peaceful and abundant life. It may not be a life free from problems, but it will have the joy from God, which transcends difficulties and circumstances.
"And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
Exodus 33:17
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Isaiah 45:2-13 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How do you feel that God knows you by name? What are your personal experiences that demonstrate such truth?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for telling me that you know me by name and that you are truly concerned with my whole well-being. Help me have the confidence that You, my Heavenly Father, only wants what is best for me. I wish to live a life of worshipping you. Amen.
