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No Comments A New Name
I grew up in the Assemblies of God church. I loved the old hymns and still do. One declared “There’s a new name written down in glory and it’s mine: A new name. God gave Jacob a new name, Israel. I would imagine he gives us a new name too and it’s written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Jacob was known for his not so good a reputation. He wrestled with God. He wanted to be blessed and in the process, God wounded him and gave him a new name. Like the apostle Paul, he carried with him the constant reminder that his strength comes from God. We do too if we are children of God.
Pastors lead us in words of repentance which may be all well and good, I don’t know. What I do know is that we have deeply offended God, enough to send to us to hell. My sin must be eradicated, forgiven if I’m to have any relationship with God.
If we want eternal life with God, if we really love him, we would be in anguish about our sin. Repentance comes from a remorseful heart. Then we must wrestle with God, not let go, have a relentless desire for his blessing. The things that hurt Christ will hurt us. Repentance leads us to give our all to him.
The disciples were puffed up when they cast out demons, healed the sick, and raised the dead. Pretty cool stuff. Everybody’s impressed and you can get a large following. You may become famous, popular, in-demand everywhere.
But Jesus warned them; there is only one thing that’s important. What is that one thing, the question you must ask yourself? Is my name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Is there a new name written down in glory, is it mine, that’s what I must know. Have I wrestled with God, communed with him enough, that He knows my name.
We are warned to make our election sure, that we are in that ‘number’.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection.