Names seem rather important in the Bible, and they seem important today. The naming of species in the garden, the Latin names of the human body, and even our own names hold a strong importance. It is how we identify who we are and what our purpose is. Praise and a good name lifts us up. Criticism and a bad name brings us low. It is the lens through which we see the world. Daughter of God seems to be one of the most important names to identify with daily.
“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:4-7
Being an heir to God is not a name for which we do anything to deserve, but by Jesus Christ, we can be called a Daughter of God. It gives so much hope to face the day. The pressure is off to achieve and attain all of the things in life because there is eternal life to look forward to. However, we forget sometimes. Instead, we write out our own names to fulfill our desires.
The men and women of Genesis are also seen struggling with their identity. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham when he established his covenant with him (Genesis 17:5). Sarai was Barren, but she became Sarah with the promise of being a Mother (Genesis 17:15-16). But, then Abraham called Sarah his Sister instead of his Wife, not trusting God to protect them (Genesis 20). In the next generation, Isaac entreated God to give him and Rebekah children (Genesis 25:21-22). Rebekah sought out God’s help when her twins struggled in her womb. As a Father and Mother, Isaac & Rebekah sought God’s counsel, but then let favoritism cause a divide between their children. Thankfully God had a plan to bless the people of the world through this lineage, and he reminded Jacob, the son of Issac, of this promise in a dream.
“And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” – Genesis 18:13-14
Years later God changed Jacob’s name to Israel after wrestling with him in the dessert (Genesis 32:24-30). Jacob desired to be blessed again. He finally received his blessing after literally wrestling with God by conceding the win to God. He had to recognize God’s power and might. When we give the credit to God, our name and purpose fall into place.
Maybe it doesn’t seem that our lives hold purpose or a legacy today, but do you think that all of the people listed in the genealogy of Jesus thought they mattered at the time? However, their names mark the beginning of the New Testament and the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. They were a part of the blessing that God foretold of. Today, as we hold the names of Daughter, Single, Wife, Mother, Barren, or Widow, we can rest in the truth that someday God will give us a new name in the New Jerusalem. One that defines us for who we truly are in Christ.
“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” – Revelation 3:12
About the Author: Autumn Rokey lives in Arizona with her husband and has been an ER nurse for 8 years. When she is not at work, she loves to hike or explore new places. She has a new found love of writing and wants to use it to encourage other women in their daily walk with God.
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