Answer The Right Name
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
Exodus 8-9
Matthew 17:14-18:1-14
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 12:11-19
Job 20-21