Have you had a time when you experienced a change so radical that your entire being, your focus, your priorities, your mission or ministry was changed? Maybe you even changed your name because of it.
I know many who dropped a nickname or took one on. I know some who after being adopted changed their name to signify a new start. There are those that when they say “I do” take on a new name. It is a new chapter, a new step into the exciting unknown.
It amazes me how many chosen ones in the Bible had this very experience. I am here in Hebron, Israel at the tomb of the Patriarchs trying to comprehend this kind of magnitude. Bones of our very first ancestors just feet away.
When God called Abram before he became the promised father of all nations, God changed his name to Abraham. Before Sari was radically changed physically and emotionally with child at almost 100, her name was changed to Sarah. Jacob wrestled with God and came out with a humbling hip injury, and the continuation of his grandfather’s promised destiny. God said you shall be called Israel. From him came the 12 tribes of Israel.
John was given the name and title the one who would bring to fulfillment the prophises by “preparing the way” for the coming Messiah. After having his life turned upside down, Simon son of Jonah was given a new name by Jesus himself – Peter. Saul needed to be blinded to spiritually see. After his encounter with the Lord he was radically changed and went from Saul to Paul.
With every instance God was calling each to fulfill a different mission. He was calling each from their mundane lives to an astounding opportunity of greatness. Yet each had one thing in common: free will. They could have chosen to ignore God’s voice, they could have turned back and ran home like Lot’s wife (that’s another blog).
Each could have stayed right where they were, unchanged in the comfort of their old life. However, by accepting the challenge and obedience to God they left a legacy of such profound measure that generations have been touched for thousands of years.
What is God calling you to? What new exciting opportunity awaits around the corner? Who knows if you step out in Fath and answer a His call, it may even lead to a new name. Either way your Name will be written down in glory.
