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By Any Other Name

by Liz Miller | published on Nov 25, 2024

Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans and have prevailed.” – Genesis 32:28 (NRSV) 

There are over a dozen instances in the Bible when someone receives a new name. The reasons are many: their faith transforms and a new name reflects this as when Saul becomes Paul, or a new name accompanies a leadership role like when Hoshea becomes Joshua. Sometimes new names mark a new season in life, as when Abram and Sarai became Abraham and Sarah. Sometimes it is God who bestows the new name, and sometimes it’s a person who wishes they had God-like authority, like when Pharoah renames Joseph to Zaphenath-paneah. 

The one commonality these diverse name-change stories have is that none of them are followed up with questions from a well-meaning friend or onlooker. We don’t get a single instance in scripture where someone introduces their new name and is met with, “Where did that come from?” or “Why’d you choose that name?” No one sighs, rolls their eyes, or says, “That’s too hard to learn; do you mind if I still call you the old one?” 

When someone shares something new about themselves, like a name change or a new identity, it is tempting to make it about ourselves instead of accepting the holy invitation to know them more fully. It is tempting to center our curiosity and questions instead of centering the strength it takes for that person to ask you to use the name they long to hear, the name that feels as right and sacred as if God herself bestowed it.  

Prayer
Thanks be to God for the gift of names that fit us best, the names you’ve known us by all along.

About the Author
Liz Miller serves as the Designated Pastor of Granby Congregational Church, UCC and is the author of Only Work Sundays: A Laidback Guide to Doing Less while Helping Your Church Thrive.