What’s In a Name?

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

So said William Shakespeare, but if this was so, why did God sometimes change a person’s name in the bible?

 For instance  God changed Abram’s "high father" name to “Abraham,” "father of a multitude" (Genesis 17:5) and his wife’s name from “Sarai,” “my princess,” to “Sarah,” “mother of nations” (Genesis 17:15). God changed Jacob’s "supplanter” or “deceit" name to “Israel,” “having power with God” (Genesis 32:28). He changed Simon’s "God has heard" name to “Peter,” "rock" (John 1:42).

It seems to me that whenever God wanted to indicate a new beginning or direction in someone’s life He gave them a new name. We know from history that the descendants of Abraham and Sarah birthed many nations, including the Jews’ and Muslims’. Also, Jacob name was changed after he successfully struggled with man and God and overcame, he would no longer be considered a supplanter, schemer, trickster or swindler. Peter’s name was changed when Christ first met him, it was important for Peter to develop the characteristics of a rock as he would now have the awesome task of becoming a fisher of men.

In the same way ladies, it is important for us to declare with our mouths what we would like to become. No! I am not suggesting that you change your birth name, but if you want to be something, start declaring it over yourselves every day. If you speak it long enough and believe it, with the help of God it will be manifested. That’s called faith.

Lets Pray:

Lord, increase my faith and help me to speak positively over my destiny.

 In Jesus name.

Amen.

Further Reading:

http://outoftheoverflow.com/2009/12/09/the-significance-of-names-in-the-bible/