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WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT FIRST FRUIT FASTING FELLOWSHIP 2025 (PREMIUM EDITION) Day 17
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Theme: RIDING ON THE HIGH PLACES OF THE EARTH
Texts: Isa.8:18, 49:5, 58:8-11,14
Topic: THE POWER OF NAMES
Subtexts: Gen.32:24-28; Phil.2:5-10
Scholars say that names are the one thing discovered to be strongly associated with a sense of self. Names reflect the way we view ourselves and one another. Yet, one of the things taken for granted by many is names that are borne.
Many see it as a mere tag of identity and so don’t give attention to it. Some will name their children after some celebrities because of how beautiful it sounds, not knowing that the name is demonic, carrying negative energy.
Earlier, we made an exposition on Jabez who understood the effect and consequences of a negative name, and prayed to God for His intervention; and got a positive response.
Our texts show the change of name of an erstwhile crafty man whose life reflected his name (with the consequences) to a more glorious one; and the giving of an unrivalled appellation to the word of God made flesh (Jn.1:1-3,14). It must be noted that the said unrivalled name was not novel to the generation but had been borne by people in the past (Num.13:16). The name Jesus which is the English translation of the Greek Iesous derived from the Hebrew Yeshua (Joshua) means Yahweh saves, Yahweh is salvation.
For better appreciation of the message, we shall consider the following points:
- Names Affect Destiny
- Names Change May Be Necessary
- New Name Does Not abrogate responsibilities
In Biblical tradition, the task of naming a child generally falls on the mother (Gen.29:31; 30:24; 1Sam.1:20) but could be performed by the father (Gen.16:15; Exo.2:22) and sometimes done by non-parental figures (Exo.2:10; Ruth 4:17). Jacob altered the name Rachael gave to his last son (Gen.35:18). Names can come from the observation of others (Isa.62:2).
The ancient world understood that a
name expressed essence; total character and nature of any person could be read from his name. Changing of name could occur at divine or human initiative, revealing a transformation in character or destiny (Gen.17:5,15; 32:28; Matt.16:17-18). So in Bible narrative, names often hold profound significance, reflecting character, destiny and divine calling on individuals.
Jacob continued to supplant with the attendant repercussion until his name got changed. (Gen. 35:10).
Samson meaning sun or like the sun, came out very powerful without comparison but soon went down because of indiscipline (Judg. 16:23-31).
Nabal means fool, and he lived it out (1Sam.25:1-13; 23-31). Prophetic names also reflected in the destinies of the people e.g
Solomon (means peaceable) was called Jedidah (Beloved of the Lord) ultimately became
| king instead of his elder brother (2Same.12:24-25; 1Kgs. |
1:11-40). |
The apostles of Jesus whose names were changed, all lived out their new names like Simon called Peter (meaning stone). James and John called sons of Thunder (Boarneges), etc.
Names are words, and words are active (Eccl.8:4; Pro.18:21). Words can inspire action, evoke emotion and incite change. Names can exhibit negative or positive energy. Those that were pre-named before birth was that their names were to reflect and power their destinies e.g. Jesus (Matt.1:21).
- NAME CHANGE MAY BE NECESSARY
All things written aforetime were written for our learning (Rom.15:4). A look at cases where there were divine change of names showed that the original name was either negative or passive, and so a positive or active name had to be given to establish the blessing. Like
Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (
father of multitude)
Sarai (princess) to Sarah (
Princess to all);
Jacob (supplanter) to Israel
(let God prevail or Prince with God) (Gen.17:1-5; 17:1-5; 32:26-28).
If somebody discovers that his name does not have any meaning, or carries a negative expression or signature or glorifies evil/deity, the appropriate thing is to have the
name changed to reflect your new status and aspiration.
Though godly men like Joseph, Daniel, Azariah, Mishael and Hananiah maintain the names given by their heathen-kings, simply because they were their subjects, the believer is not expected to retain heathen names but rather have a change of name (Gen.41:41-45; Dan.1:6-7).
- NEW NAME DOES NOT ABROGATE RESPONSIBILIES
A change of name does not mean that everything will begin to work well irrespective of one’s attitude. Having a positive name is rather one of the pleasant factors that aid progress; other factors have to be satisfied.
The ancients understood that there is an orderliness to the world in which we live and anyone that did the necessary to satisfy or be in accordance with the orderliness prospered. That orderliness constitutes the economic and social laws that are obeyed to prosper. They embrace attitude, character, vision, objectivity, etc (Pro.22:29; 12:24; 29:18; 28:20-22; 31:10-21; 22:1,3,24;23:10).
The principle of sowing and reaping is timeless (Gen.8:22; Ps.126:5,1; Gal.6:7). As Godly or prophetic names are given, a pleasant climate is created by God’s grace for the functioning of the laws of nature in one’s life.
If your name is sound, you may still pray like Jabez for a divine empowerment to cause your territory to enlarge, manifest His favour, release His anointing and protect you.
