What’s in a name
The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel:’ Jacob said, “Please tell me your name” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. So, Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared:’ (verses 28-30)
Jacob wrestled with God one night. He was never the same again! God changed his name from Jacob to Israel. And the nation of Israel was born through Jacob, a fulfilment of the promise God had made to Abraham, his grandfather years before. There is something about a name! What is your name, friend? Not the one that was given to you by your earthly parents, but the one God gave you at your baptism? You became a ‘Christian’ at that time. A ‘Christ-One.’ We are told by Jesus to pray in his name. There is power in the name of Jesus. Even Satan cowers and runs from that name Jesus. Friend, you bear the name of Jesus. Think about that for a moment. ‘At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.'(Phil. 2:10,11)
What’s the best thing about your name?
Lord God, thank you for Jesus and help me to walk in the power of his name and remember the victory that he won for me against sin, death and the devil. Amen.
by Dean Mills, in ‘Time Out with the Shepherd’ (ACR, Australian Church Resources, 2017)
