Postscript: What Is Your Name?
Postscript
What is your name?
We have thought about some of the names of the Lord Jesus Christ. The next question is: What is your name?
God asked that question of Jacob as he wrestled with him that midnight hour. “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And he [the Lord] said unto him, What is thy name? And He said, Jacob” (Gen. 32:24, 27). The name “Jacob” means “supplanter” and carries with it the idea of scheming and lying to get what you want. The first step toward appropriating all that Christ has for you is admitting to him what you really are. What is your name?
Is it liar, fighter, rebel, pretender, fearful, hateful?
What is your name? Admit it to the Lord right now, and let him agree with you. You gain nothing by pretending. Then ask him to forgive you for what you are, and tell him to make you what you ought to be in Christ. Claim for yourself by faith all that Christ is and all that he does.
All of us occasionally assume roles in order to get out of life what we think we ought to have. Life is dull, so we assume the role of spectator or entertainer in order to get some enjoyment. What we really need is Jesus Christ, for his name is Wonderful, and that takes care of the dullness of life.
Life is complicated, and we have to make decisions, so we assume some role in order to try to make some sense out of life. What we really need is Jesus Christ, for his name is Counselor, and that take care of the decisions of life.
Life is demanding. Some people assume the role of a tyrant in order to succeed in this demanding world; others give up and become slaves or tools or even invalids. But what we need is Jesus Christ, for his name is the Mighty God, and that takes care of the demands of life.
Life becomes narrow and limited. We feel like we are packed in a coffin. Perhaps we rebel and try to enlarge our sphere of experience. Perhaps we give up the battle and crawl about in our tiny world, creeping like ants when we should be flying like eagles. What we need is Jesus Christ, for his name is the Everlasting Father, the Father of Eternity, and this takes care of the dimensions of life.
Life is full of disturbances. Without are fightings, within are fears. There is no peace. A dozen open doors beckon us to some kind of peace—escape, entertainment, alcohol, sex, dope, over-work—we run from one substitute to another hoping to find peace. What we need is Jesus Christ, for his name is Prince of Peace, and that takes care of the disturbances of life. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trustest in thee” (Isa. 26:3 KJV).
What is your name? Jacob admitted his name—and shame—to the Lord, and the Lord changed his name! God said to Jacob, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed” (Gen. 32:28).
God can change your name. “Thou art Simon,” said Jesus to Andrew’s brother. “Thou shalt be called Cephas,” which means “a stone” (John 1:42 KJV).
Tell God what you are. Believe what he is. Yield yourself to him.
Put the government of your life upon his shoulder.
When you do, you’ll discover who he is: Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
And what he is, you will share!
Is the government of your life on his shoulder?