All these Biblical characters have something in common: Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Peter, Paul. They all received new names after they had an encounter with God.
There is tremendous power associated with a name. A name equals identity and reputation.
This is why the Bible's collection of universal wisdom, Proverbs, tells us that "a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches (Pr 22.1)."
What we do, comes from who we are, and the Bible's way of speaking about who we are is our name. So we ask ourselves, is my name one of integrity? Love? Kindness? Mercy?
When people hear my name do they think of someone who looks out for those who can't look out for themselves? Who gives selflessly? Who is free of judgement?
Name changes in the Bible were symbolic of the life change spawned by an encounter with God. If we claim to have had an encounter with God, but are not different for the better, maybe it is time for a name change.
