AUGUST 17, 2023 What Name Does God Have for You?
“Jeremiah told him, God has a new name for you: not Pashur but Danger-Everywhere, because God says, ‘you’re a danger to yourself and everyone around you’” (Jeremiah 20:3 MSG).
What Name Does God Have for You?
“Forty-Five” makes up negative names to call everyone with whom he has an issue. Some of the name-calling is coded language, e.g., calling the African American female prosecutor in Georgia who brought charges against him for election interference, a RIGGER. While the racist overtones may be obvious, he will quickly claim he was referencing what he called a rigged election, although that false claim of a rigged election has been fully discredited. His kind of name-calling reflects negatively upon the character of the one who does it.
But God does not do negative name-calling. He assigns names based on the character of the individual. And remember, He looks at the heart. Even though he knew Simon would fall, he named him Peter, “Rock.” A rock is associated with stability. Peter’s mind might have been a little shaky for a while, but his heart was solid and stable! God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, “father of nations,” Sarai to Sarah, “princess of multitude,” and Jacob to Israel, “may God prevail.”
But Pashur, in the above text, who was chief governor in the house of the LORD, had smitten Jeremiah the prophet, and incarcerated him for speaking the word of the LORD. God changed Pashur’s name which meant “prosperity all around” to Magor-missabib” (KJV) which means “Terror on Every Side” (NIV) or “Danger-Everywhere” (MSG). Pashur served in the temple, the house of the LORD, but his heart wasn’t right, so God changed his name!
What does God call you? Faithful? Steadfast? Immoveable? Always Abounding in the Work of the LORD; My Committed Servant? Or Undependable? Unstable? Easily Persuaded by Winds and Doctrines? What is God’s name for you?
This is not what I wanted to write. I even tried to pull out an old message that I had gotten a good response from in the past. But God would not have it. He wanted me to write this. It hit me hard!
Pop Winans used to love singing an old song ‘titled, “What Do You Want the Lord to Say?
The answer was, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter in the joy of the Lord.” That’s what I want my LORD to say! And that is what I want him to call me, Good and Faithful Servant. Even if no one ever responds to anything I write. I will remain faithful to my assignment! What about you?
Thank you to those of you who encourage me often or have ever encouraged me in this assignment.
Focus Quote: “Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).”