What is In a Name?

In Bible days your name defined you. One could hear your name and make accurate assumptions about you and your family. For example Jacob means surplanter, this is someone who takes the place of another which is fitting when we review the story of Jacob and Esau. In Genesis 32:28 (NKJV) Jacob’s identity was changed, his character was changed and his name was changed. “And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel;* for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.".” When Jacob became Israel his character changed, the way he was to be viewed and addressed changed all because of this one event in his life. 

Saul on the other hand means “called by God” or “asked for”. If we look at Acts 9:20-22 Saul just had scales removed from his eyes and he began proclaiming the name of God. He is not called Paul until we get to Acts 13:9 where we see him confronting a sorcerer. With his name change his dominion changed. He had more authority. Paul means little, or humble. It’s interesting that Paul went from his name having authority to his name meaning humility. He accomplished much more as a humble servant to God than he ever did as a persecutor. 

When I got married, like Jacob a single event changed my name, I was no longer LeeAnah Walters, single independent woman. I became LeeAnah James joined with Kristian James through this life unto death. This event changed the way people viewed and communicated with me. After this event I was able to speak on my husband’s behalf, and he on mine. I became Mrs. rather than Miss. I was no longer independent but co-dependent.

Motherhood on the other hand is a lot like Saul’s transformation it was a process. Once the seed was planted it had to grow and develop, things about me had to change. I had certain restrictions that I didn’t before. I had requirements I had to meet in order to properly sustain the seed. The responsibility came before the title change. Even before it was evident I was hard at work. Now I hold this beautiful girl in my arms with my new name mom, and have been given the authority to serve in a new capacity. 

Take the time to look at your names. What names do you want to change? What names have changed? What areas in your life is God changing your character or growing things in you?

Father,

Thank you for both those life changing moments and those character building journeys. As you continue to change our names in the different areas of our lives I pray for both awareness and strength for the journey. You word is ever relevant thank you for allowing us to apply it to our daily lives. I am so blessed that you love us so much that you tailor made your word to fit our individual situations. Cover us as we grow in your word. In Jesus name. Amen