25th January 2018
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee (Genesis 17:5).
You’d notice, as you study through the Bible, that God changed the names of certain individuals, because their problems were in their names. Jacob, for example, when he was born was named Jacob (deceiver, or swindler). He grew to live up to his name; he deceived his father and his brother; he became a swindler until he encountered God, and his name was changed from Jacob the swindler, to Israel, a prince with God (Genesis 32:28).
How important it is to answer the right name. Your name is your destiny; never forget that. If the name you’re presently called is incongruous with the provisions of the Gospel and God’s perfect will for your life, change it. You can’t be a Christian and answer names that deify Satan or celebrate idolatry. People answer such names, especially in Africa. If you aren’t sure of the meaning of your name, find out; if it’s the wrong one, change it, because your name is a confession.
The New Testament, particularly the epistles, are replete with God’s provisions for the new creation in Christ Jesus, and He’s called us names that are consistent with the life and nature that He’s given us. He expects us to answer those names.
2 Corinthians 5:21, for example, calls us “the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.” You’re not trying to become righteous, that’s who you are by nature; you were born that way at the New Birth. Therefore, stop trying to be good, to be holy or righteous. Answer your name; when you answer your name, you’ll live that way. Declare, “Father, I thank you for you’ve made me righteous and holy. You’ve made me strong, successful, prosperous, and excellent.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 shows yet another name that God calls you: a new creation; a new kind of man. Perhaps you may have been born with a blood condition, but now that you’re born again, answer your new name! You’re a new creature without a past! You’ve put off the old nature with the blood condition and other depravities, and have put on the new man who is created in righteousness and perfection—whole and complete after the image of Christ. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the glorious names you’ve called me, my life is full of glory and perfection. The revelation of your Word has enlightened and positioned me for a life of continual success and victory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Matthew 16:18 Galatians 3:29 1 Peter 2:9
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 17:14-18:1-14 Exodus 8-9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 12:11-19 Job 20-21
