“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” Do you know where this line is from? Do you agree with it? William Shakespeare uses this line in his play Romeo and Juliet to convey that the naming of things is irrelevant.
But the truth is that names are very important. Most people don’t name their child “Judas” or “Jezebel” due to the connotations associated with those people. The names given to people in the Bible are particularly important as they speak to the character of the individual as well as connection to their family and identity. To find an equivalent today we’d have to look at any nicknames we received growing up – no doubt connected to some event, unique feature, or character quality that distinguished them.
And just like nicknames, those names weren’t always flattering. This Sunday we’ll look at guy who was named “grabber” because he held on to the heel of his older twin brother when he was born. Did the name “Jacob” represent him or shape who he became? For many years he was a self-serving, “me first” guy, ready to do what it took to get ahead.
And just like you and me, he needed an encounter with the God of second chances. This Sunday we’re looking at the crazy story behind Hebrews 11:20, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.” If you’d like to look ahead, read Gen. 27 and watch the family drama unfold with manipulation, lying, cheating, stealing, and murderous threats. With a checkered past and a messed-up family like Jacob’s, it takes a lot of faith to believe and have hope for a better future. Yet God brings about reconciliation and redemption in the end. “Jacob” becomes a name that brings faith and hope in the God of those who need help most.
Ps. 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Of course, that’s not a “once a year” command, but many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday or sometime this weekend. I pray that your day will be a joyful recounting of all the good things God has done in your life, despite your faults and failures, family issues, or fears about the future. Our series reminds us that faith believes God for things not (yet) seen and rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Because of our theme, I’d love to have everyone put on a nametag this Sunday. We’ll have them at the door for you. If you are brave enough to also put your nickname on your tag, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee! (OK coffee is free at Valley Church anyway!)
In Christ,
Kurt