What’s in a Name (Part 7)

Daily Scripture Threshing for Sunday, December 5, 2021

Today’s Text: Genesis 35:16-20

Key Verse: Genesis 35:18 (NIV): “Rachel was about to die, but with her last breath she named the baby Ben-oni (which means “son of my sorrow”). The baby’s father, however, called him Benjamin (which means “son of my right hand”).“

Indeed, there is more to a name than we all know. The name we (called is not just a calling card. No, names are not just identity markers. They determine how people’s lives will unfold. Syncretists, metaphysicists and mystics do not take the positive or negative energies emanating from names lightly. Ancient systems of divination try to probe into a person’s future by invoking the mystic power of his name. But this reality does not pertain to the world of darkness alone. Christians can look at scriptures and find yet much clearer, deeper and truer revelation of a name. Our names have compelling and illuminating realities in our names.

Never place your self or child under the shadow of negative name regardless of what you are passing through in life. It only took Jacob to reverse and revoke the imposing power of the negative name placed upon Benjamin by his mother due to the circumstances of his birth. By his birth, Benjamin contracted a victimized destiny and got it stamped and confirmed by the name his mother proclaimed upon him. But he found God's grace because his father understood what’s in a name. For the mother, he would be a "Ben-oni,” a child of sorrow but no for the father, that’s my “Benjamin," the son of my right hand or the son of my sunrise. And by that singular action, the pain of a life in despair was turn around to consolation. There is power in a name.

Quote for the Day: “We are a spiritual type of Benjamin. Sin’s consequence impose its sorrows on us; but the higher love of Christ reverses its curses and gives us a better name in Him.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You for giving me a new name and a new identity. I key into the power and grace through swallows all negative images and identity in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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