What's in a Name?

"Your name will no longer be Jacob," He said. "It will be Israel because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed." - Genesis 32:28

Often in Africa, when a person becomes a Christian, he or she will receive a new name. This name is of course added to other names, which are often traditional or Muslim, making the name seem like a condensed spiritual history. Of course, with conversion, a name-change also indicates a life-change.

When Jacob met God at Peniel, he became a new person. In fact, it appears that he became a follower of the one true God.

What is your name? Of course, in this context you realize that I'm not asking for the name given to you by your parents, but rather the name which was given, or is being given to you by God Himself, the name that describes who you are to Him.

What's in a name? Well, if (or when) the God of the universe calls you by yours, what will your name be? Today, will others see the change in you that comes from the indwelling Christ?

Why don't the names of Buddha, Mohammad, Confucius offend people? The reason is that these others didn't claim to be God, but Jesus did. - Josh McDowell