DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONALS: MAY 15 THE WORLD OF CHANGING NAME (2) SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1: 59 – 63
Yesterday’s devotional tried to point out two things about bearing a name and later changed it. The first is whether the changed name actually results to bringing good luck or fortune to the person bearing it. Second is whether, especially the Christians, God was involved in the change of the name. Yesterday’s devotional pointed at one very important ways the society sees some people changing names. Some change their names very frequently so as to evade arrest when they committed crimes. Do the Christians changing their names as frequent think of this negative view their changing name communicate to people? Today’s devotional is leading the readers to the next series that brings out the real thrust of the message; which is how to make God change your name.
There might not be much of an offense to change your name. Human beings have rights to change from any name they considered not fitting for them. Everyone has the right to pick a name that makes him/her feels good, gives personal joy or heightens his/her ego. This devotional is however, looking at certain dilemma some who changed their name met. The expected joy or fortune or “the open Door” looking for when changing the name ended up not coming forth. Pastors are much interested in causing their followers to change names, especially in the continent of Africa. It can be established from the story on Naomi that change of name has little to do with change of destiny. Naomi, meaning “Pleasant”; due to frustrations she faced in Moab asked the women of Bethlehem to call her “Mara” meaning “Bitter” on her return home. The women ignored her and continued calling her “Naomi”. The bitterness desired was not seen on her. She was later favoured to be among the roots Jesus passed through.
The lesson in the discussion is that, if God is not involved in changing of any name those who are changing may be changing in vain. Many African Christians have changed their name believed to convey idolatry or attracting bad omens. Yet after they changed, the situation still remains or became worst. We have such names as Delight, Fortune, Glorious, Sunshine, Brilliant etc., with a belief that such name will turn our ugly cases for good. The beloved, let us know that is only God who changes names and good things follow. We will be discussing the topic: HOW TO MAKE GOD CHANGE YOUR NAME from tomorrow. If you want God to change your name, do what pleases Him and He will change your name!
PRAYER:
Pray and ask God to direct your mind and heart to what He has for your name you bear in Jesus name. Refuse to dwell on negative emotional feeling that the name you carry is reason for your struggling in life.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch