Belonging to God's Family a 3-Day Devotional by Sue AfutuSample

What's in A Name?

Growing up as a child, I bore my father's surname, and so did my siblings. This is a common practice in families around the world. Children discover as they grow that using their father's name may come along with certain favors or rights depending on who he is or was.

Historically among the Jews, names revealed the bearer's personality and destiny. Jacob was one of the patriarchs in the Old Testament, and his name meant one who deceives or grasps the heel. Jacob lived up to his name.

Sometime later, he encountered the angel of God when he was returning home after fleeing from the wrath of Esau, his brother. He struggled with this supernatural being and asked for a blessing. The angel told him he would no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, which means a "Prince with God" (Genesis 32: 22-28).

Our focal text tells us that those who have received and accepted Jesus and believe in His name have the right to become children of God. They have the privilege of referring to God as their father.

Jacob's encounter with the angel changed not just his name but his character. Likewise, our conversion to Christianity also confers on us a new name and identity. Believers were referred to as Christians because they behaved like Christ.

What is the importance of our new birth? There is a change in our lives. We receive the Holy Spirit, who gives us the power to live a life that pleases God. Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Being able to use the name of Jesus both in prayer and in defense against Satan is also a right attached to our conversion. Acts 11:16 teaches us that only Christians can successfully use the name of Jesus in this regard.

Reflection: Take a moment to thank God for making you His child.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for my life in Jesus. Help me to understand and harness all that is available to me in Christ.