A NEW NAME

DATE: Saturday, June 7th, 2025

MEMORISE:

“And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.” – (Isaiah 62:2)

READ: GENESIS 17:1-15 (KJV)

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.

16 And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.

17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

The Profound Power of a Name: More Than Just a Label

Names are far more than mere labels or arbitrary sounds assigned at birth. From ancient cultures to modern societies, names carry immense weight, signifying identity, heritage, aspirations, and even destiny. A name can be a blessing, a prophecy, or a reflection of circumstances. However, life has a peculiar way of assigning people “names” they weren’t given at birth – often not spoken to their faces, but whispered in their absence, shaping perception and, tragically, even self-perception. These acquired names can be negative, stemming from past failures, perceived flaws, or challenging situations, becoming a hindrance to God’s intended work in an individual’s life.

Think about the casual nicknames that stick, or the defining characteristics people latch onto. For example, in Mark 10:46-52, the Bible introduces us to a blind man, Bartimaeus. While his given name likely meant “son of Timaeus,” the world knew him simply as “Blind Bartimaeus.” His affliction became his primary identity, overshadowing his personhood. Even after Jesus miraculously restored his sight, it’s possible people continued to refer to him by his old, limiting label. This powerful anecdote illustrates how society often defines individuals by their limitations, their past mistakes, their social status, or their physical conditions. This isn’t just a historical curiosity; it’s a contemporary reality for many.

The Burden of a Negative Name: Identity and Perception

The weight of a negative name, whether it’s a whispered label like “Failure Fred,” “Lazy Lisa,” “Trouble Tom,” or “Poor Peter,” carries significant implications beyond mere semantics. These aren’t just playful nicknames; they often embed themselves deeply into one’s psyche, influencing self-perception and even fostering self-fulfilling prophecies. The psychological impact can be debilitating, leading to discouragement, a sense of hopelessness, and a limiting belief that one is incapable of transcending their past or present struggles.

Consider the story of Bartimaeus again. The emphasis on his blindness wasn’t just descriptive; it was dismissive. To be known as “Blind Bartimaeus” meant his identity was tethered to his disability. He was seen primarily through the lens of what he lacked, not who he was as a human being created in God’s image. This is the cruel reality for anyone branded by a negative name or label. A past mistake, a chronic illness, a family background, or a socio-economic status can become a person’s defining “name” in the eyes of the world. This public labeling can create internal barriers, making it difficult for the individual to see themselves beyond that limitation, let alone for others to acknowledge their potential.

From a spiritual standpoint, such externally imposed or internally adopted names can become significant hindrances to God’s work. If a person believes they are “a failure,” they may lack the faith to step out for God. If a community identifies someone as “unredeemable,” it can hinder the manifestation of God’s transformative power through them. The enemy often uses these negative labels to sow seeds of doubt, fear, and hopelessness, preventing individuals from walking in the fullness of God’s glory and purpose for their lives. The world describes you by your negative qualities, but God desires to rewrite your story, to redefine your very essence.

God’s Transformative Power: The Divine Name Change

Whenever God perceives that a name—whether a literal appellation or a societal label—is hindering His work in a person’s life, He possesses the sovereign power to change it. This is not merely a symbolic gesture; it’s a profound act of re-identification, a declaration of a new destiny, and an alignment with His divine purpose. God, being omniscient, sees beyond our current circumstances, beyond our past failures, and beyond the world’s limiting labels. He sees our potential, our destiny, and the glorious person He intends us to become.

The most iconic example of this divine intervention is found in Genesis 17:1-15, where God encountered Abram, a man then ninety-nine years old, with a barren ninety-year-old wife named Sarai. Humanly speaking, the promise of descendants was an impossible feat.

Abram (Exalted Father): This name, while honorable, was limited in scope. It referred to a father who might be esteemed or elevated, but it didn’t intrinsically speak of numerous descendants, especially not at his advanced age with no living heir. It was a name that had seemingly reached its zenith, but God had something far grander in mind.

God’s Appearance and Covenant (Genesis 17:1-2): God appeared to Abram, declaring Himself as “I am the Almighty God” (El Shaddai). This name emphasizes God’s all-sufficiency, His power to fulfill His promises, even when human ability falls utterly short. He then commanded Abram to “walk before me, and be thou perfect.” This call to perfection was a call to wholehearted devotion and integrity, setting the stage for a deeper covenant relationship. He then promised, “I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.”

The New Name: Abraham (Father of Many Nations): After Abram fell on his face in awe, God spoke the groundbreaking declaration in Genesis 17:5: “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.” This was a name of faith before the fulfillment. It was a divine declaration of a future reality, a prophecy embedded in his very identity. Imagine the faith required to carry a name that speaks of fathering countless nations, when you don’t even have one child! The old name, Abram, a single father, would indeed hinder the belief and expectation of becoming “a father of many nations.” God removed that mental and spiritual block, aligning the very name with the monumental prophecy.

Sarai to Sarah (Princess to Mother of Nations): God extended this divine name change to Abram’s wife as well. Genesis 17:15 states: “As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.” Sarai meant “my princess,” suggesting her noble status within her immediate family or tribe. But Sarah meant “princess” or, more significantly, “mother of nations.” Her new name was also aligned with the grand, expansive destiny God had for her as the matriarch of countless generations, kings, and nations (Genesis 17:16). This was a name truly suitable for the profound role she was to play in God’s covenant plan.

The significance of these name changes is multi-faceted:

Identity Tied to Covenant: The new names were inextricably linked to God’s everlasting covenant. They served as constant, living reminders of God’s promises and His commitment to fulfill them, regardless of human limitations or natural circumstances.

Faith Over Sight: By giving them names that declared a future reality, God called Abraham and Sarah to live by faith, not by sight. Every time they were called by their new names, it was a profound act of faith, affirming God’s word over their barren reality.

Divine Declaration: The names were pronounced “by the mouth of the LORD” (Isaiah 62:2). This divine declaration made the name change official, powerful, and irreversible. It wasn’t a human decision or a social trend; it was a heavenly decree that superseded all earthly limitations.

Removing Hindrances: The old names, however well-meaning, unconsciously limited their scope. By changing them, God broke mental, emotional, and spiritual barriers, creating space for His limitless power to operate.

Human Resolve and Divine Partnership: The Typist’s Transformation

God’s intervention often meets human determination, leading to extraordinary transformations. The story of the typist at the University of Lagos beautifully illustrates this divine-human partnership. Everyone jokingly called him ‘Prof’ – a playful, perhaps even mocking, nickname for a typist in an academic environment. Yet, this seemingly innocent jest became a profound spark of divine inspiration and personal resolve.

The typist didn’t passively accept the joke; he activated a prophetic declaration. He said to himself, “I am a typist, but everyone calls me ‘prof’. I will indeed become a professor.” This wasn’t merely wishful thinking; it was a decision that fueled concrete, sustained action. He understood that a new name, whether divinely bestowed or prophetically adopted, demands corresponding effort and commitment. He started taking evening classes, diligently studied, wrote his exams, and gained admission into the University of Lagos – the very institution where he was once a mere typist. Before I left the University of Lagos, this determined individual was already studying for his Ph.D. He had truly made up his mind to change his name from a joke to a glorious reality.

This incredible transformation underscores the interplay between human action and divine inspiration. While the nickname “Prof” might have started as a jest, it could also be seen as a subtle prompt from God, a seed of possibility planted in fertile ground. God often works through our will and determination when it aligns with His purpose for our lives. The typist’s willingness to “truly change his name and not to remain a joke” is the key. This deliberate choice to reject a limiting label and actively pursue a higher calling is what activated his transformation.

This narrative sharply contrasts with those who wallow in negative labels, allowing them to define their potential and suppress their ambition. The typist didn’t merely hope; he worked. He didn’t just dream; he planned and executed. His story serves as a powerful testament that when God speaks a new name or inspires a new vision, it necessitates a response of faith coupled with diligent effort. It’s a call to self-awareness, recognizing the labels that hold us back, and then actively choosing to dismantle them by embracing God’s truth about who we are and what we can become through Him.

Stepping into Your New Name: A Brand-New Beginning

The concept of a new name is deeply spiritual, reaching its pinnacle in Isaiah 62:2: “And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.” This is God’s profound desire for His people: to grant them a new, glorious identity that reflects His righteousness and glory.

Stepping into your new name requires a crucial first step: surrendering all to God. This isn’t a mere self-help technique; it’s an act of radical dependence on divine intervention. It involves:

Confession of past limitations: Acknowledging and renouncing any negative self-perception, past mistakes, or societal labels that have hindered your progress.

Acknowledging God’s power to redefine: Believing that God is truly El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, capable of doing the impossible and transforming any situation.

Asking Him to change any negative name: Specifically praying for God to remove every spiritual, emotional, or psychological label that is hindering His glory from manifesting in your life.

Throughout biblical history, God’s name changes always signified a deeper spiritual transformation, a new purpose, or a new covenant relationship:

Jacob (Deceiver) to Israel (Prince with God/God strives): This change marked Jacob’s transformation from a manipulative schemer to one who wrestled with God and prevailed.

Simon (Shifting Sand) to Peter (Rock): Jesus renamed Peter, not because he was already solid, but because of the foundational stability and leadership role God intended for him.

Saul (Destroyer of Christians) to Paul (Humble/Little One, Apostle): Saul’s name change symbolized his radical conversion and new identity as an apostle to the Gentiles, moving from persecutor to preacher.

These name changes always reflected a profound internal shift, a new spiritual reality, and a new calling. The new name wasn’t just a label; it was a declaration of a new identity that allowed God’s glory to be manifested through their lives. When your name, your core identity, aligns with God’s purpose for you, His power can flow unhindered.

The manifestation of God’s glory through a new name often brings with it joy and laughter. Recall Abraham’s initial reaction when God told him Sarah would bear a son – he “fell upon his face, and laughed” (Genesis 17:17) in disbelief. But when Isaac (whose name means “he laughs”) was born, Sarah declared, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me” (Genesis 21:6). The laughter of unbelief was transformed into the laughter of pure joy and celebration. This is the promised outcome of allowing God to redefine your story: He turns sorrow into joy, tears into laughter, and limitation into limitless possibility.

Living your new name isn’t just about a divine declaration; it’s a new way of living, walking in the identity God has given you. It means consciously shedding the old skins of negative labels and embracing the truth of who you are in Christ—loved, redeemed, empowered, and purposed. It requires faith to believe it, courage to live it, and persistence to keep walking in it.

Conclusion: Embrace Your God-Given Identity

The reality of life’s challenges is a universal truth. You will encounter situations that test your faith, stretch your limits, and expose your weaknesses. But these challenges do not define your ultimate identity in Christ. The world may try to label you with negative names based on your past, your circumstances, or your perceived failures, but God sees you differently.

God desires to give you a new name, an identity rooted in His eternal purpose and power. Just as He transformed Abram into Abraham and Sarai into Sarah, He longs to redefine you, breaking every hindering label and releasing His glory through your life. Like the typist who became a professor, your willingness to align with God’s vision for your life, coupled with faith-filled action, can turn any perceived “joke” or limitation into a powerful testimony of God’s transformative grace.

It’s time for a brand-new beginning. Surrender all to God, confessing any negative names or limiting beliefs that have held you captive. Ask Him, with unwavering faith, to change every name that might be hindering His glory from manifesting in your life. Believe that He can and will turn around every negative situation men define you by, filling your life with uncontainable joy and laughter. Embrace the new name that the mouth of the Lord names for you.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please change every name that might be hindering Your glory from manifesting in my life, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 21-24

HYMNAL: 25 – THE GREAT PHYSICIAN NOW IS NEAR

1 The great Physician now is near,

the sympathizing Jesus;

He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,

oh! hear the voice of Jesus.

Sweetest note in seraph song,

sweetest name on mortal tongue;

sweetest carol ever sung,

Jesus, blessed Jesus.

2 Your many sins are all forgiven,

oh! hear the voice of Jesus;

go on your way in peace to heaven,

and wear a crown with Jesus.

3 All glory to the risen Lamb!

I now believe in Jesus;

I love the blessed Savior’s name,

I love the name of Jesus. [Refrain]

4 His name dispels my guilt and fear,

no other name but Jesus;

oh! how my soul delights to hear

the charming name of Jesus.