He Gave Us A Name Change

Daily Devotional

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The sixth of seven (7) things that Jesus accomplished for us on the cross. 

Ephesians 2: 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

It is typical for us to refer to those who were not born direct descendants of Abraham as Gentiles, but if you have been born again you are no longer a Gentile. When Jesus went to the cross he gave us a name change. Our new name is sons of God. The name Gentile means heathen, sinner or vile. That is who we were. Ephesians 2: 11 said that in time past we were Gentiles in the flesh. The scripture used the phrase “in time past” to highlight that this is no longer who we are. Jesus went to the cross so that we could be called the sons of God. 1 John 3:1 says “behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” God’s obsession was to make us sons of God, so He gave his only son to die on the cross for us.

As a fore shadow of this name change that would come, God changed the name of Jacob to Israel In Genesis 32:28 after He wrestled with an angel. The name Jacob means supplanter; a supplanter is one who takes the place of another by illegitimate means. As a supplanter therefore, Jacob acted contrary to the word of God. He needed a name change, so God changed His name to Israel at a point when he had an encounter with Him. The name Israel means prince of God or son of God. Note the similarity in the name that Jacob was given and what is given to us who have been born again. Now that our names have being changed, God expects us to operate as sons of God, not heathens. Throughout the Old Testament the scripture interchanged the use of the name Jacob and Israel, to reflect the inconsistency with which he operated. Sometimes he acted like the prince of God and at other times not. As believers we sometimes reflect the same inconsistencies, but you are admonished today to operate as who you were called to be – sons of the Most High God.

Life Application: Your name has been changed; therefore, reflect the image of Christ by living like a son of God and not a heathen.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of sonship. What a privilege to call you father. Thank you for calling us sons. In Jesus name, amen.