NAMES

WHY IS SO MUCH ATTENTION GIVEN TO NAMES IN THE BIBLE?

BIBLE READING: Genesis 32:22-32

KEY BIBLE VERSE: “What is your name?” the man asked. He replied, “Jacob.” “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “It is now Israel, because you have struggled with both God and men and have won.” (Genesis 32:27-28)

NAMES IN THE BIBLE OFTEN REPRESENTED A PERSON’S CHARACTER.

God gave many Bible people new names (Abraham, Sarah, Peter). Their new names were symbols of how God had changed their lives. Here we see how Jacob’s character had changed. Jacob, the ambitious deceiver, had now become Israel, the one who struggles with God and overcomes.

In Jacob’s case, a quality that had been destructive was not being directed towards God and channeled for good. Jacob continued his wrestling match all night just to be blessed. He was persistent. God encourages persistence in all areas of our lives, including the spiritual. Where in your spiritual life do you need more persistence? Strong character develops as you struggle through tough conditions.

BIBLE READING: Exodus 3:1-22

KEY BIBLE VERSE: God replied, “I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS. Just tell them, ’I AM has sent me to you.’ ” God also said, “Tell them, ’The LORD, the God of your ancestors-the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob-has sent me to you.’ This will be my name forever; it has always been my name, and it will be used throughout all generations.” (Exodus 3:14-15)

TO HONOR GOD’S NAME IS TO HONOR HIM.

The Egyptians had many gods by many different names. Moses wanted to know God’s name so the Hebrew people would know exactly who had sent him to them. God called himself I Am, a name describing his eternal power and unchangeable character. In a world where values, morals, and laws change constantly, we can find stability and security in our unchanging God. The God who appeared to Moses is the same God who can live in us today. Hebrews 13:8 says God is the same “yesterday, today, and forever.” Because God’s nature is stable and trustworthy, we are free to follow and enjoy him rather than spend our time trying to figure him out.

GOD’S NAME IS LIKE HIS SIGNATURE GUARANTEE OF HIS PROMISES.

YAHWEH IS DERIVED FROM THE HEBREW WORD FOR “I AM.” GOD REMINDED MOSES OF HIS COVENANT PROMISES TO ABRAHAM (GENESIS 12:1-3; 15; 17), ISAAC (GENESIS 26:2-5), AND JACOB (GENESIS 28:13-15), AND USED THE NAME I AM TO SHOW HIS UNCHANGING NATURE. WHAT GOD PROMISED TO THE GREAT PATRIARCHS HUNDREDS OF YEARS EARLIER HE WOULD FULFILL THROUGH MOSES.

BIBLE READING: Exodus 20:1-21

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. (Exodus 20:7)

DISRESPECTFUL USE OF GOD’S NAME IS AN INSULT TO HIM.

God’s name is special because it carries his personal identity. Using it frivolously or in a curse is so common today that we may fail to realize how serious it is. The way we use God’s name conveys how we really feel about him. We should respect his name and use it appropriately, speaking it in praise or worship rather than in curse or jest. We should not take lightly the abuse or dishonor of his name.

BIBLE READING: Acts 3:1-26

KEY BIBLE VERSE: The name of Jesus has healed this man-and you know how lame he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name has caused this healing before your very eyes. (Acts 3:16)

THE NAME OF JESUS MERITS THE HIGHEST HONOR.

Jesus, not the apostles, received the glory for the healing of the crippled man. In those days a man’s name represented his character; it stood for his authority and power. By using Jesus’ name, Peter showed who gave him the authority and power to heal. The apostles did not emphasize what they could do, but what God could do through them. Jesus’ name is not to be used as magic-it must be used in faith. When we pray in Jesus’ name, we must remember that it is Christ himself, not merely the sound of his name, who gives our prayers their power.

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