What’s in a Name (Part 3)

Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Today’s Text: Genesis 32:24-32

Key Verse: Genesis 32:27 (CEV): “Then the man asked, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered.”

In the movie 12 Years a Slave, the worse moment for Solomon Northrup was not when the torture or the degradation of his life; but when he was told that he will have to drop his name and be called by another name from that day forward. He will now be called ‘Platt’. The problem with this is not just that it is the name of a runaway slave but that’s the name of someone else; a name not chosen by him; but given to him by someone else—by force and conquest. Names define people. This would define him forever. He tried hard to insist on his true identity but couldn’t alter his reality. But in the end, he gained his freedom because he did not forget his real name.

The impact and essence of our names are not discerned through scholarly etymology or meditation; no not debated by legislation. When a name is mentioned, there’s something that naturally flies up in the air. When Jacob was asked: “what is your name?” It was a moment of true confession to someone whom all his life has been a “Yaquuv” (supplanter), a name which like Solomon Northrup, he has no power and ability to change—a name that will represent and influence him everywhere.

In Jacob’s struggle for blessing, he lost his reputation. In his encounter with true blessing, he needed to confess his true identity to find a better name. If you wish to gain true blessing like Jacob, wrestle yourself to God’s presence—even if in the midst of a multitude—deal with Him alone. Don’t pretend your true identity before God. He is the one with whom you have to do. You must tell Him who you truly are. Learn from Jacob. His heart was no longer hardened with his wayward past. He could bear or pretend it no more. He wrestled to be lifted out of his weakness, and make a new name. You too can if you make supplication, now!

Quote for the Day: “When we can no longer wrestle for things or with God then we can cling. Men who cling to God, receive more than a new name; they receive God's free gift of eternal life.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, please deliver me from any name, reputation, and identity that will not allow me to shine Your light so others will draw closer to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I wish you a happy new month and merry Christmas in advance with all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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