God-Given Names
No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. Genesis 17:5
As some of you know, I have an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) cat named Max. Science has proven that cats recognize their names. Although for poor Max, he is affectionately called by many permutations of Max. The most common name is Maxy, but sometimes he’s Maximillion, sometimes Maximus; you get the idea. These names are meant to be affectionate, but for Max, they are likely confusing.
Here’s where Maxishness comes into play. Names are very important to the one true God. The LORD renamed Abram, Sarai, and Jacob. He named the children of Hosea. Jesus gave new names to Peter, James, John, and probably Saul/Paul. Also, we get new names when we get to heaven - There’s a new name written down in glory, And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine! (hymn by C. Austin Miles) Names are important, both now and in heaven.
Like Max, sometimes I am confused by my Master. I see myself as a worn-out man of little worth. However, at times, God calls me by a name like the one who breaks down walls. That’s confusing to me, but Jesus sees me in Him; yes, I said that correctly. He is in me, but also I am in Him. And, the person I am in Jesus has different names, kind of like Max.
If you are in Jesus, you, too, may have different names. Perhaps your name is builder of churches, or giver of compassion, or teacher of children, or prayer warrior. I don’t know how God sees you or the names He calls you by, but don’t be like Max and be confused when our Master calls you by a name you don’t think of yourself as.
And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);
- Mark 4:13-17 ESV
So, pray and listen. God often calls us by new names. They are like a nom de guerre - French, which literally means war name. Don’t be afraid to walk in the name God gives you.