Topic: You will be called by a new name
Bible Reading: Isaiah 62:1-7
Introduction
A name is a word or set of words by which a person, animal, place or thing is known or addressed. It can be described as a word or phase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing. A name is a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity. So, ‘in a nutshell’ the name of a place or thing is the word or group of words that is used to identify it. Which means it is the name of a person, place or thing that can easily distinguished them from one another.
The given names at birth: Everyone have names that are given to them at birth. Every name has reason/s why the person, place or thing is being referred to by the name, and such name also has meaning which might be right or wrong in the presence of God. In the Yoruba kingdom, there is a saying that “Oruko omo ni o ma nro omo” which means, the name of a child always has great impact on him/her.
It is the directive of the Lord to the believers to bring every child before Him on the eighth day to be given name/s. If the child is a male, he will also be circumcised on the eighth day. John the forerunner of our Lord was circumcised and called John on the eighth day Luke 1:59-60. Even Jesus Christ our Lord is not exempted from this process, He was circumcised on the eighth day and called Jesus according to the instructions of angel Gabriel to Mary His mother Luke 2:21. What name/s were you called at birth? How is the name/s impacting your life?
Name has meaning and value
Every name has meaning and value attached to it but this meaning and value may be divine/godly in nature or it may be satanic/evil in nature.
The meaning of a name: The Bible stated that “Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living” Genesis 3:20. What is the meaning of your name/s? Is your name influencing you to win souls for the Lord or put people in bondage? It is written that Lamech called the name of his son Noah, saying “This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed” Genesis 5:28-29. The same Noah was used by the Lord to preserve mankind and other creatures that survived the great flood which destroyed the first world Genesis 9:8-17. Noah was successful because of the Lord was with him and his name had great impact on him. Are you comforting the world through the word of God? Or your name is making you to torment the earthlings?
The value of a good name: It is the duty of believers to protect their names, so that people/unbelievers will not tarnish their image and blaspheme the Lord through them. They must not forget the scripture which says “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, I have formed him, yes I have made him” Isaiah 43:7. Since people are calling you by the name of God and you are created for His glory, abstain from criminal activities that can disgrace the Church or reduce the faith of other believers because “a good name/reputation is worth more than silver and gold.” A good name earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom and moral courage is more valuable than great riches. Personal integrity is more desirable than wealth and must be chosen rather than silver or gold Proverbs 22:1. You must never participate in any misconduct or allow your attitudes to drag the good name of the Lord in the mud because a good name is better than precious/fine perfumes. A good name/reputation is more valuable than expensive pleasures Ecclesiastes 7:1. Now that you have the knowledge that a good name is better than costly ointment, do not joke with your name, but take good care of it so that people will always glorify God through you.
The resolution of God to change your name this year
The word of God to your life this year is that as from this moment, you will be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name. Almighty God has determined to give you a better new name which will transform your life instantly. He will announce this new name to the world today in manners that will increase your fame and make the world leaders to be blinded by your incredible glory Isaiah 62:2. Henceforth, you shall be a crown of glory and splendor in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You will no longer be called Forsaken or name your household Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah and your household Beulah; for the Lord delights in you, and He will marry your household Isaiah 62:3-4. This promise of God will come to pass in your life quickly this year because the word that comes from the mouth of the Lord will never return to Him void without producing any effect or result. But it will accomplish what He desires and pleases Him. And it will prosper everywhere He sends it by achieving the purpose for which He sent it Isaiah 55:11. Since the Lord send this word to you this New Year, believe that it will be fulfilled and established in your life because God is not a mere human, He doesn’t tell lies, but always keep His promises. Our God is not like people who lie, He is not human who changes his/her mind. He does whatever He promises and fulfill whatever He speaks as it is written “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23:19. Have the assurance that you will be called by a new name this year, if you do not stray from the righteous path.
The scripture says “For with God nothing will be impossible” Luke 1:37. Therefore, your situation will be resolved this year and you will be called by a new name. If God can change the destiny of Jabez and transformed his life beyond his wildest imagination, then there is no one that God cannot positively change the history of his/her life 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. Do not think for God, as this may make you to lose hope but hold on firmly to your faith, and the event that will make people to jubilate with you and congratulate you will happen this year.
Claim this year as your year of breakthrough even if your condition is humanly hopeless because the Bible says ‘“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts’” Isaiah 55:8-9. For this reason, do not think for God or think of how will He achieve this feat in your life. You just believe because the way of the Lord is unsearchable and things that are impossible for humans to accomplish is easy for the Lord to achieve.
Your situation will be resolved this year
Whatever situation that accompanied you into this year will be resolved and it will turn to history in your journey, in manners that will make people to call you by a new name.
The sick: The great healer is around and He will heal you of all your aged infirmities; you will not be referred to as disabled/Sickler anymore but your new name will be ‘able bodied person’. God will have mercy on you today by strengthening and curing you. The Lord that healed the waters of Marah will heal the source of your life today and it shall be well with you throughout your existence Exodus 15:23-25. The messiah who healed the woman who had continuous flow of blood of twelve years will cure you of the sickness that is disgracing you everywhere and great transformation will be visible in your life. Since you have spiritually touched the hem of the garment of Christ, your ailment will disappear never to recur again Matthew 9:20-22. He that revived Lazarus who was dead for four days will revive whatever that is spiritually dead in your life. Whatever that had decayed in your body will be renewed and restored back to freshness. Everything that is spiritually stinking and those that are giving offensive odors which is driving benefactors/goodness away from you will cease permanently today John 11:38-44. Today you will be loosed from the spiritual captivity which is causing stagnancy in your journey.
The barren: ‘“Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman,’ says the Lord” Isaiah 54:1. The promise of God for those looking for the fruit of the womb is that they will be addressed this year by a new name called ‘mothers’ and they will have more children than people that were married for a long time. This promise will be fulfilled without delay this year. Hold on to your faith because whenever you are pregnant you will not suffer miscarriage but you will give birth to healthy child/children. “No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days” Exodus 23:26. Almighty God that gave Isaac the promise child to Sarah will give you, good child/children. He that erased the reproaches of Elizabeth will erase your reproaches permanently today. God that met with Hannah at Shiloh will meet with you today and transform your life beyond human comprehension. He that wiped away the tears of Manoah’s wife will wipe away your tears and pacify you in every aspect of your life.
Whatever type of barrenness that is presently plaguing your life will be eradicated completely this year in Jesus name.
The rejected: If you are one of those that are rejected and ignored by family, friends, neighbors and colleagues because of your situation; cheer up today, because your personality will be renewed and you will be referred to as a ‘influential person’. The word of God for you this year is “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the Chief cornerstone” Psalm 118:22. This year you will become the favorite of everybody and those that have rejected you will court your favor. You that has been limited and underrated by people, saying, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” John 1:46. As from today, good and new things will not cease in your life. Every soul that has limited and underrated you will bow down before you and lick the dust of your feet in Jesus Name.
The covenant of God
It is the covenant of God that makes it possible for them to be called by a new name this year. This year, God reassured the believers that if they faithfully obey Him and keep His covenant, then they will be addressed by a new name; according to the scripture which says “Now therefore, if you indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people, for all the earth is Mine.” Exodus 19:5. Since you have the guarantee from God, pay attention to whatever He says and keep His covenant so that you will be referred to by a new name this year. You must carefully listen to the Lord and obey Him at all times, because the Lord your God is the only true God. He is the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant and mercy for those who loves Him and keep His commandments; His loyalty to those people will be for thousands of years. Do not forget that your God is the only God that is worthy to be served and He is a faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations, and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands Deuteronomy 7:9. You must love God and keep His commands if you want God to keep this gracious covenant for your descendants and also show them constant love throughout their generations.
The Bible says, God will look upon you with favor and make you to be fertile. He will multiply you and maintain His covenant with you. This year, God will treat you with favor and kindness, and you will grow strong spiritually, physically and financially, and He will fulfill His covenant with you. For this reason, the Bible says “For I will look on you favorable and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you.” Leviticus 26:9. You must never stray from the righteous path if you want God to make you to be productive, enlarge your spiritual coast/business and uphold His covenant with you. God is not making this covenant and agreement with you alone, but with members of your household and your descendants; as it is written “I make this covenant and this oath, not with you alone, but with him who stands here with us today before the Lord our God, as well as with him who is not here with us today.” Deuteronomy 29:14-15. If you want God to bless you this year in every aspect of your life and increase your household, do not fall into sin. You must abstain from unrighteousness for God to establish His covenant with you and your descendants.
Preconditions to be called a new name
Before you can be called by a new name, there are certain conditions that must be satisfied, some of which are:
• Quit unrighteousness • Abstain from iniquity • Forsake sins
Quit unrighteousness: It is evident that the Lord know His own people, so let everyone who claims to belong to the Lord depart from evil and wrongdoing. It is the duty of everyone who confesses the Lord’s name and calls on His name to turn away from wickedness and avoid it; as it is written “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’” 2 Timothy 2:19. To be called by a new name, you must give up all unrighteousness, because everyone who acts unjustly without personal integrity is utterly repulsive to God. All who act unfairly and do business/work dishonestly are detestable to the Lord; according to the Bible passage which says “For all who do such things, all who behave unrighteously, are abomination to the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 25:16. Since the Lord hates people who cheat, quit all unrighteousness and deal honestly with everybody, because the anger of God manifested against the sin and the evil of people whose wicked ways silence the truth and prevent it from being known. God is angry with all the unrighteousness and evil/wicked things that the sinful people do to repress, stifle and crush the truth. For this reason, you must depart from wickedness, according to the scripture which says “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” Romans 1:18. Do not practice injustice and let honesty be your watchword.
Indecency and immorality are widespread in the world today, because people did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God. So, He allow their useless minds to rule over them. That is why they do all sorts of indecent and immoral things. People refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God or think about Him. Therefore, He has given them over to corrupted and defective minds which made them to do inappropriate things Romans 1:28. Since people thought it foolish to acknowledge God, then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth. Those who do not believe the truth but have taken pleasure in sin and unrighteousness will be condemned 2 Thessalonians 2:12. Do not take pleasure in unrighteousness if you do not want to be punished.
All unrighteousness and wrongdoings are sin in the presence of God. Every unrighteous action, together with everything that is wrong is sin 1 John 5:17. Since you know that all wicked actions are sin, give up your crooked ways and your evil thoughts. Return to God, He will be merciful to you and forgive your sins. Let the wicked abandon and change their ways of life, and banish their sinful thoughts and schemes. Let them return to God who will pity and have mercy on them by pardoning their transgressions Isaiah 55:7. You need to turn to God today, so that He will be merciful to you and forgive your sins. For this reason, you must not surrender any part of yourself to sin to be used for wicked purposes. Instead give yourself to God as a person who has been brought from death to life, and surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes; as it is written “And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” Romans 6:13. Henceforth, never allow any part of your body to become an instrument of evil to serve sin but use your body to do what is right for the glory of God.
We need to confess our sins today, because if we confess our sins, God is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God will forgive us our sins and purify us from our wrongdoing. The scripture says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9. God will fulfill His promise which says “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 8:12. God will forgive your wrongdoing/wickedness and He will no longer remember your sins.
Abstain from iniquity: It is indisputable truth that all human beings are sinners. In fact, the Bible testified to this fact by saying “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5. From the day that we are conceived we have inherited our parents’ sins. Furthermore, the scripture says God hate all workers of iniquity Psalm 5:5. Since the boastful/proud cannot stand in the presence of God and He hates all wicked people, then the only solution is to seek His mercy and forgiveness. If we repent, change and turn to God, He is a patient and tolerant God who is ready to forgive our iniquity; as it is written “The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation.” Numbers 14:18. Since God is not partial and He detests the evildoers and those who practice wickedness: stop bringing worthless offerings and useless donations into His presence. Instead repent and reconcile with Him. The Bible says, “Bring no more futile sacrifice; incense is an abomination to Me. The new Moons, the Sabbaths and the calling of assemblies — I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.” Isaiah 1:13. Since God cannot be deceived or bribed, then, whatever that is sinful or false is not acceptable to Him.
If you turn from sin to God, all will go well with you. If you return to the Almighty and submit and humble yourself before Him, you will be renewed, restored and prosper. If you remove iniquity and unrighteousness far from your tent, it shall be well with you throughout your existence Job 22:23. Therefore “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit, there is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1. We pray that God will clear your records of guilt and He will not hold any sin against you. Amen.
Forsake sins: The Bible says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. We have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standards; so, we are far from His saving presence. If we say that we have not sinned, we are fooling ourselves. If we refuse to admit that we are sinners, we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth which the Gospel represents is neither in us nor dwell in our hearts 1 John 1:8. It is for this reason, that Jesus wrote on the ground when an adulterous woman was brought to Him and said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” John 8:7. No one threw a stone at the accused woman because all her accusers were sinners. Our sins originated from our lusts. It is our lustful and evil desires that is making us to sin, according to the scripture which says “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown brings forth death” James 1:15. So, flee from lustful desires.
If you want to be called by a new name this year, it is time for you to start considering yourself as dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. You must think of yourself as dead to the power of sin but alive in fellowship with God through Christ. Therefore, do not let sin rule or reign in your mortal body to make you to yield to its cravings, and be subject to its lusts and evil passions Romans 6:11-12. This is a wake-up call, do not let sin control the way you live, and do not give in, to sinful desires. Nonetheless, believers must admonish and encourage one another every day, so that none of them will be hardened into settled rebellion by the deceitfulness of sin, by the fraudulence, the sophistication and the trickery which the delusive glamour of such person’s sin may play on him/her. You must warn and urge each other every day so that none of you will be deceived by sin and become hardened against God Hebrews 3:13. It is important to help each other by conversing every day, so that you will not become insensitive to God and your heart will not become hardened and fooled by sin’s deception.
You need to do what pleases the Lord, for Him to overlook and erase your sins permanently so that He will establish His covenant in your life by calling you by a new name; according to the Bible passage which says “For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” Romans 11:27. “‘As for me,’ says the Lord, ‘this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants says the Lord, ‘from this time and forevermore.’” Isaiah 59:21. For this reason, do not yield to your sinful desires anymore, but allow the words of the Lord to dwell richly in your mouth and His Spirit that is upon you to grow/develop in your life. It is then that God will forget your sins and He will no longer remember your evil deeds; as it is written, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17. You must abstain from all the aforementioned conducts for the promise of God to be fulfilled in your life this year, so that you will be called by a new name. Therefore, you must neither harden your heart against God nor allow sin to reign/rule/control the way you live anymore.
We would highlight the necessity of honoring the name of the Lord and turning to Him before you can be called by a new name.
Honor the Name of the Lord
It is essential for you to give rightful honor to the name of the Lord your God at all times, so that He will reciprocate this good gesture by calling you by a new name. One of the ways to prompt the Lord to call you by a new name is for you to give the honor that is due to His name to Him. The Bible testified to this fact by saying “… But now the Lord says: ‘Far be it for Me; For those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be slightly esteemed.’” 1 Samuel 2:30. It is time for you to emulate the living creatures and the elders who worship continuously before the heavenly throne of God; thanking Him on behalf of every creation of God and giving Him all the glory. They are honoring Him ceaselessly by saying “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:8-11. For you to be called by a new name this year, you must honor the name of the Lord.
No one can claim to honor the name of the Lord if you do not fear God and His name, which means you must fear the name of the Lord your God and you must never joke with this holy name. As it is written “If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD, then the Lord will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues—great and prolonged plagues —and serious and prolong sicknesses.” Deuteronomy 28:58-59. If you do not want plagues instead of being called by a new name, do not disrespect the name of God. At no time must you trivialize the name of the Lord your God during your lifetime, but always hold this precious name in high esteem. The scripture corroborated this fact by saying “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7, Deuteronomy 5:11. The people who are disrespecting the name of the Lord by turning it to exclamation should stop immediately. Those who always say “O my God” to express their surprise, anger or pain must cease, else the plagues will come upon them says the Bible.
It is the duty of every believer to praise the great and majestic name of God. We must confess and praise the great name of God because His name is holy, awesome, reverence, and inspiring. The Bible says “Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy.” Psalm 99:3. Therefore, “Praise the name of God with a song, and magnify Him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30. For this reason, “Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3. It is only the ingrates that will neither magnify the Lord nor exalt His holy name. Henceforth, “To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17.
Change and turn to God
“Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’” Ezekiel 33:11. Why should you choose death instead of eternal life? You must realize that whoever wants to receive good things from God must change and turn to Him. Turn to God today, so that you will be called by a new name and receive goodness in abundance. Do not be among the people whose immoral and indecent practices will not permit them to return to their God. Beware so that your evil deeds will neither be the reason that you will not turn to God nor obstruct your chances of returning to Him. You must also make sure that your constant cravings will neither keep you from knowing God nor damage your relationship with Him Hosea 5:4. To be called by a new name, you must never allow the evil that you have done and your lustful desires to have a powerful hold on you, or make you to fail to acknowledge God. So, quickly turn back to God and leave your detestable practices. Time is running out, repent and turn away from your disgusting and vile acts; turn to God and you will be saved Ezekiel 14:6.
The scripture says “For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his hearts after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David.” 1 Kings 11:4. Learn from the mistake of King Solomon who fell from grace to grass, because he turned away from God to idols. It is written that “So the Lord became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the Lord God of Israel, who appeared to him twice.” 1 Kings 11:9. If you do not want God to be angry with you, turn away from the vanities of this world and turn fully to God. For God to call you by a new name and establish you this year, you must depart from your waywardness and turn to God. Therefore, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them.” Deuteronomy 11:16. Be cautious so that you will neither be seduced nor deceived to stray from God to serve lesser gods/deities. Watch out! Do not allow any temptation to make you to turn your back on the Lord your God, in order for Him not to listen to the contrary petitions of your adversaries, but turn their curses to blessings in your life this year. As it is written “Nevertheless, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam, but the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you.” Deuteronomy 23:5. Therefore, do not turn your back on God, but acknowledge Him in all your ways, so that He will transform your life this year, and call you by a new name.
Examples of the people that God called by a new name
To be called by a new name is one of the greatest things that can happen to any human and we must realize that anyone that the Lord called by a new name will witness great transformation in his/her life. The transformation in the lives of those that were called by new names will erase any doubt from our minds concerning this fact.
Abram’s name changed to Abraham: Though God made promise to Abraham that ‘“Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him ‘So shall your descendants be.”’ Genesis 15:5. It was after his name was changed to a new name Abraham, (which means, a father of many nations) it is then that the transformation began to manifest in his life Genesis 17:5-8. The new name made Abraham to prosper and He was established.
The new name made it possible for Abraham to be blessed abundantly Genesis 22:15-18. The demonstration of Abraham’s faith qualified him to become the father of faith Romans 4:16. And he was referred to as a friend of God James 2:23. For all these blessings and promises to manifest in your life, you need to be called by a new name.
Sarai name changed to Sarah: Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah (which means a mother of nations) with the promise that some of her descendants will be kings Genesis 17:15-16. After Sarai was called by a new name, God promised to give her fruit of womb, by saying “No Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.” Genesis 17:19-21. God erased her reproach, when He visited Sarah according to His promise. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son called Isaac in his old age Genesis 21:1-3. Sarah’s hope was restored when her son Isaac became heir to Abraham’s physical possessions and inherited the covenant which God made with Abraham Genesis 21:9-11. You need to be called by a new name for your reproaches to turn to glory and inherit the covenant of goodness that the Lord had for your parents.
God changed Jacob’s name to Israel: Though Esau sold his birthright to Jacob when he was hungry Genesis 25:32-33. And Isaac his father blessed him by saying “Surely the smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed. Therefore, may God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you.” Genesis 27:27-29. All the blessings did not manifest in his life until his name was changed and he was called by a new name Israel (which means “For you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed”) Genesis 32:27-28. God confirmed that his name shall not be called Jacob anymore but Israel because He had become a source of blessing to mankind. Then God blessed and established His covenant with him Genesis 35:10-12. Israel became fruitful and multiplied because the number of his household who went to Egypt was seventy Genesis 46:27. The number of the Israelites that left Egypt increased exponentially to six hundred thousand men, besides children Exodus 12:36-37.
King Solomon was called Jedidiah: When Bathsheba gave birth to a son for David, he called his name Solomon but God sent word through Nathan the prophet, that they should name him Jedidiah (which means beloved of the Lord) 2 Samuel 12:24-25. Solomon was spiritually gifted because of his name. God gave him wisdom, knowledge and understanding. In addition, God gave him more wealth, treasures/possessions, honor, glory and fame such as no other king has had before him or will never have in future 2 Chronicles 1:11-12, 1 Kings 4:30-34. King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom 1 Kings 10:23. He was so wealthy and influential that there was none before him or after him that was as wealthy as he was 1 Kings 10:17-29.
Simon’s name was changed to Peter: Jesus Christ our Lord called Simon by a new name Peter Mark 3:16. Then, Peter’s life witnessed great transformation during his lifetime. After his change of name, Jesus Christ made him a spiritual pillar in the church by saying “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of the Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18. God use him mightily to the extent that people brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, so that the shadow of Peter passing by, might fall on them with healing power Acts 5:15.
James and John: James and John the sons of Zebedee were called Boanerges (which means “Sons of Thunder”) by Jesus Christ our Lord Mark 3:17. After their names changed, their lives were never the same during their lifetime. God used them tremendously to the extent that He revealed heavenly vision to one of them, in order to warn mankind about the events of the end of age Revelation 1:9-20. God also gave them the grace for their names to be among the twelve apostles whose names were spiritually written on the twelve foundations of New Jerusalem the City of our God Revelation 21:14.
If you want tremendous transformation in your life like all the aforementioned people, you need to be called by a new name this year by the Lord.
We will discuss the physical signs that will make humans to recognize and admit the fact that you have been called by a new name.
The physical manifestation of a new name
Jesus said “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” John 4:48. Which means, people will not believe that you have been called by a new name, unless they see the physical manifestation of the signs in your life. Humans may find it difficult to believe that you have been called by a new name unless they see the transformation in your journey.
There are many signs that the Lord can use to signify that you have been called by a new name. Though all the signs lead to transformation, but we will only discuss the most common ones. The following are the most common signs which signify that God has called one by a new name:
• New heart • New person/creation
• New things • New song
New heart: The first thing that will occur in the lives of those people whose names have been changed to a new name is that they will be given a new heart/spirit. However, such people must be cautious, and depart from any lustful desire or terrestrial plan that might hinder the completion of the process to get new heart. They must neither be promiscuous nor devote their gifts to pleasure and wine; as it is written “Harlotry, wine and new wine enslave the heart.” Hosea 4:11. Abstain from whatever that can seduce and entrap your heart. Do not be unfaithful to God, but devote your resources to working for Him, so that you will receive a new heart. It is time, put all your rebellion behind you, and give up all the evil you have been doing. Find yourself a new heart and a new spirit. Abandon all your repeated sins, and start thinking pure thoughts, be faithful to God so that you will not die, instead you will be given a new heart and a new spirit Ezekiel 18:31. For this reason, come close to God, and God will come close to you; purify your heart, and make sure your loyalty is not divided between God and the world James 4:8. For you to be given a new heart/spirit, you must purge your heart of iniquity and clean up your life.
God gave Saul a new heart when he departed from Samuel, and he prophesied, according to the scripture which says “So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day. When they came there to the hill, there was a group of prophets to meet him; then the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. And it happened, when all who knew him formerly saw that he indeed prophesied among the prophets, that the people said to one another, ‘What is this that has come upon the son of Kish? Is Saul among the prophets?’” 1 Samuel 10:9-11. God who gave Saul a new heart is alive, He will give you a new heart, and signs of transformation will be visible in your life this year. Your transformation will dazzle everyone who knew you, and cause misunderstanding in the realms of the darkness. Then, the promise of God will come to pass in your life. God will give you a new heart and a new mind. He will take away your stubborn heart of stone and give you an obedient heart Ezekiel 36:26. For God to give you a new heart and a new spirit, you must be loyal to Him. For you to be given a faithful, tender and responsive heart, you must abstain from indecency and immorality.
New creation: Whoever that is called by a new name is united with Christ, which means, such person is reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit. Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person/being. The old lifestyle will disappear and the transformation that will renew the lifestyle will begin instantly. As it is written “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” 2 Corinthians 5:17. For you to become a new creation/person, you must be called by a new name.
New song: If God call you by a new name, He will certainly put a new song of celebration and jubilation in your mouth. God will give you a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our Creator in manners that will make many people to be amazed and put their trust in the Lord according to the Bible passage which says, “He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord” Psalm 40:3. Then you will be singing a new song to the Lord on daily basis for the wonderful deeds that are beyond the comprehension of humans which He has done for you. How His right hand has won a might victory for you and His holy arm has shown His saving power in your life. The scripture testified to this statement by saying “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory” Psalm 98:1. For this reason, it is your duty to always sing the new song that God has put in your mouth to glorify Him. You must praise Him with any available musical instrument. Also use your dancing and clapping to praise the Lord that preserved your life and called you by a new name Psalm 144:9. Therefore, “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the assembly of saints” Psalm 149:1. It is essential for you to use the new song that God has put in your mouth to praise Him before the congregation of the faithful in the church. Thank Him for your past, present and future, with powerful testimonies that are competent to win souls into His kingdom.
You owe God thanksgiving and praises wherever you may be in this world, for transforming your life and calling you by a new name before your detractors who says, “Can anything good come out of your Nazareth?” It is the command of God that “Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you coastlands and you inhabitants of them!” Isaiah 42:10. Therefore, the time is ripe for you to emulate those that the scripture described as singing a new song to Christ saying “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” Revelation 5:9. For this reason, be prepared so that when you sleep in the Lord, you will be among the people who will sing a new song that God has put in your mouth before His heavenly throne. Make efforts to be in the midst of the choir which the Bible stated that “They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth” Revelation 14:3. To be called by a new name is good, but to be among the large group that will sing before the heavenly throne of God is the ultimate.
New things: As previously mentioned that if you are called by a new name, new things will manifest in your life. Prominent among the new things is that God will subdue your enemies in manners that is beyond human understanding and quickly resolve the difficulties of your spiritual journey. God crushed Korah, Dathan and Abiram who were troubling Moses. When Moses said “But if God creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord” Numbers 16:30. God will do a new thing that will make the memory of your adversaries to be erased from under the sky unless they repent. Therefore, do not worry yourself, because the former promises of God have come to pass in your life. Now you will hear the new things which He has designed for you before they begin to happen. As it is written “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them” Isaiah 42:9. One of the new things that will happen this year in your life is that your physical and spiritual captivities will be restored. Whatever that concerns you will be perfected and your life will be renewed, “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful’” Revelation 21:5. This year, God will renew and restore whatever that Satan and the darkness have stolen or snatched from you.
Finally, you need to repent and change your old way of thinking; change your mind and purpose; turn around and return to God. Seek His purpose for your life, so that your sins will be wipe away and completely erased, then, times of refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord to restore you like a cool wind on a hot day. As it is written “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” Acts 3:19. Then the promise of God which says “‘For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me’, says the Lord, ‘So shall your descendants and your name remain’” Isaiah 66:22. This promise will be fulfilled without delay in your life. Therefore, make every effort to be called by a new name so that your descendants and your name will endure forever.
The Seal: Isaiah 62:2: The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name.