The Name Changer

Have you ever wondered how your parents chose your name? When choosing names, some parents spend time researching; going through baby name books, looking for meanings of the names they like. Some choose to give a new baby a family name. Others will just choose a name based on if they like it or not, not really thinking about what that name might mean.

Names are important to God. There are instances in the Bible where God changed the names of men.

• Gen 32:22-32, relates the story of Jacob wrestling with God. Jacob would not let go until the man blessed him.  V.26, Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." 27 The man asked, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he said. 28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."

• In Matthew 16, Jesus asked His disciples who the people of the region say that He is. After they had given their answers, He then asked them, "who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "you are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus then blessed Simon and then told Simon that he would be called Peter, which means rock. 

You see, God has given each of us a name that represents His character. Jacob was given a name which means overcomer. Peter was given the name which means rock.

Well, what about me, you ask? Yes, God has given you a new name too.

• Rev 2:17  To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna,  I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him.

God does not see us as who we are, but who He wants us to become. He is waiting for all of us to accept that we can overcome when we totally surrender to Him. 

Be blessed,
Dawn