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from Cossondra God has always existed, and He always will exist. We understand that nothing is everlasting except God Himself. However, He says he will give everlasting names to those who please Him and choose to follow His ways. We talked last week about people in the Bible whose names reflected who they were. Nabal fulfilled the meaning of his name, "foolish," and Naomi changed her name to reflect the "bitter" circumstances she had faced. However, some people in the Bible had their names altered for them by God Himself. He knew their hearts and saw their futures more clearly than they did, just as He does us. He changed their names perhaps to encourage them or to ensure their prophetic promises would be spoken over them. One of the most notable examples is the changing of Abram and Sarai. In Genesis 17, God changed Abram to Abraham, "father of many." Abraham walked through many years fathering no children and then through several years having a child that was not the one God had promised. However, when people called Abram by his new name, "father of many,” he had a constant reminder of God's promise that he would be the father of many nations. God also renames Abraham's wife, Sarai, modifying her name to Sarah. Unlike with Abraham, Sarah’s name meaning doesn’t change. Both mean "princess." So, what is the significance of God changing her name? Perhaps it signifies a new chapter for Sarah. God was about to bless her as an ancestor to God's people, and she needed to walk in faith, not laughing or doubting. Also in Genesis was Jacob. I've heard for years that Jacob means "trickster," but there is more to it. Jacob means "someone who immorally takes what is not his." That is more than merely being a fun prankster; it adds a more sinister motive. In Genesis 32, Jacob experiences an incredible encounter with God. Alone in the wilderness, Jacob wrestles with an angel until dawn. The angel tries to escape by injuring him, but Jacob will not let go until the angel blesses him. The blessing doesn't come in a treasure chest but in the form of a name change. The angel says to him, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome" (verse 28). That is an everlasting name of honor! Being called "Israel" (wrestles with God; triumphant with God) had to cause a monumental change in Jacob's life. Imagine being called a "thief" for years. How would that affect your actions? We know that Jacob had some dishonest dealings. Did Jacob accept that stealing was his nature? Did everyone expect that of him? Possibly. But then, his name changed, and he was no longer a thief but someone who wrestled with God Himself. As with Abraham and Sarah, Israel's new name signifies a transformation in his life and his relationship with God. So the shift that comes with name-changing is powerful. In Isaiah, the prophet speaks what God tells him about the Nation of Israel. "No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah (my delight is in her), and your land Beulah (married and cared for); for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married. Isaiah 62:1
What is your everlasting name? Is it the one you have now? Or is God changing it for you? Talk to Him about it. Maybe you would like “Overcomer,” “Blessing,” or “Blessed.” How about “Loved” or “Strong in Faith?” And, if it isn’t your given name you want to reconsider, how about your track record of sharing love and showing faith? Remember that God knows our hearts and futures better than we do. Ask him about a prophetic name or phrase that you can use to bring a new direction toward better in your life.
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