SOMETIMES, people ask for your name to put a face to it.
Others ask for your name to know you better and remove the mystery surrounding you.
So when next someone says: What is your name, don't be afraid.
God called the light day and the dark night.
He made two great lights and commanded the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to rule the night. (Gen. 1:3; 16)
God gave them names to express themselves.
NAOMI changed her name to express her grief.
She lost the men in her life and couldn't see beyond the sorrow.
So, she said, "Do not call me Naomi (sweetness); call me Mara (bitter), for the Almighty has caused me great grief and bitterness. (Ruth 1:20)
However, her daughter-in-law, Ruth, knew she could have pain and purpose in life.
Your name can cause you pain.
EVERYWHERE Jabez went, he caused pain. So he prayed.
"Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." (1 Chron. 4:10)
And God granted his request.
Jabez could not choose his past, but he selected his future.
Your name paints a picture.
ICHABOD came at a time when things were dire.
His dad and uncle had just died in a war, and the Ark of God had been taken.
His grandpa heard the story, fell backward, broke his neck and died.
His mom was in so much pain and went into early labour.
And she called her baby Ichabod; the glory has departed. (1 Sam. 4:21-22)
May the glory of God never depart from your life.
Jabez could not choose his past, but he selected his future
Your name tells a story.
ABRAM was ninety-nine when God appeared and told him to walk before him and be blameless. (Gen. 17:1-2)
Then, God made a covenant with him.
God changed Abram and Sarai's names to tell a story. Both of them would be parents to nations, and through them, the peoples of the earth will be blessed.
God blessed them so that they might be a blessing.
Some names are titles.
JESUS had just sailed into the country of the Gadarenes when a madman with many demons walked into him.
He cried out, fell before Him, and loudly said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me."
What is your name? (Luke 8:30)
He said: "Legion," because many demons had entered him.
The name Lucifer is a title. It means son of the morning. Devil means demons.
Some names are concerning.
WHEN Rebekkah was pregnant with her twins, the two of them struggled with each other in the womb.
She sought God's face and learnt that they were two nations. One will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.
AT BIRTH, the older one had red skin and was covered with hair. So, the parents called him Esau.
The younger came out holding the heel of the older. The parents called him Jacob (heel or deceiver).
AS THEY grew, Esau came home famished one day. He wanted Jacob’s food.
So Esau sold Jacob his birthright for a stew pot.
And Rebekkah helped him steal the blessing.
When Esau realized that his brother had stolen his birthright, he planned to kill him.
Jacob had to leave home for fear that Esau would hurt him. So, he went to his uncle, Laban.
AFTER YEARS of living away from home, God told him to return. But Jacob was afraid.
He was fearful because of what he had done.
Jacob realized that choices come with consequences. And consequences are not easy to manage.
So, he prayed that God would rescue him from his brother. (Gen. 32:9-12)
Some names indicate a change of season.
HE sent his wives and children ahead and was alone.
People are usually alone when God gets their attention.
Jacob was at the end of himself.
A MAN came to wrestle with him till the break of dawn. When the man noticed Jacob wouldn't let go, he dislocated his hip.
And Jacob said: "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (Gen. 32:26)
He knew that despite his enlargement, something was missing.
Jacob understood that despite the father’s blessing, something wasn't right.
He was quick to play a fast one on people.
You cannot look to the One bigger than you until you realize that you are not there yet.
THE MAN he wrestled asked: What is your name?
Jacob, he replied.
Your name will no longer be Jacob. You'll be called Israel now because you have fought with God and men and won. (Gen. 32:28)
You cannot look to the One that's bigger than you until you realize that you are not there yet
WHEN God asks you a question, he draws your attention to something.
God asked Adam where are you? (Gen. 3:9) It wasn't that God couldn't see him.
Adam was distant from God because he had sinned.
He asked Cain: Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? (Gen: 4:6)
God called on Elijah: What are you doing here? (1 Kings 19:8-15) It was a moment of awakening.
He was displeased with Elijah’s flight, and he wanted him to come to his senses.
So I ask: What is your name?
Jacob had to come to this place of revelation to walk into fullness.
PHILIPPIANS 2:8 says: God has given Jesus a name above every name -- that every knee shall bow at the name of Jesus.
God revealed Jesus. Now, Jesus is revealing the Father.
And he wants to give you a name.
He wants to make you a son of God. To become one, you must believe in Jesus and accept him as Lord and Saviour.
Then, you can bear his name.
Merry Christmas!