Morning Devotional 040525 Born of the Spirit

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  April 5, 2025

Genesis 32:22-28

22 Jacob got up during the night, took his two wives, his two women servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed the Jabbok River’s shallow water. 23 He took them and everything that belonged to him, and he helped them cross the river. 24 But Jacob stayed apart by himself, and a man wrestled with him until dawn broke. 25 When the man saw that he couldn’t defeat Jacob, he grabbed Jacob’s thigh and tore a muscle in Jacob’s thigh as he wrestled with him. 26 The man said, “Let me go because the dawn is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I won’t let you go until you bless me.” 27 He said to Jacob, “What’s your name?” and he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name won’t be Jacob any longer, but Israel, because you struggled with God and with men and won.” 

Good Morning. Blessed by the name of the Lord

What’s in a name? When we are born, our parents give us a name. This is the name by which we are called and known. During the pregnancy, expectant parents often consider and create lists of possible names. These lists often include family names, favorite names, and even unusual names. 

Names follow cyclical patterns. Many Biblical names remain common today: David, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Samuel. Names are often associated with events and/or behaviors. At this time, naming your child Adolph would saddle them with a negative connotation. Whereas Theresa or Mary evoke loving memories. 

In the creation story of early Genesis, God gives man dominion over the animals, which is reflected in their names. I’m intrigued by the changing of names in the Bible: Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter, and Saul to Paul. A name change often symbolizes a person's transformation and a new calling from God. 

If you are a believer and a follower of Christ, chances are God has given you a name as well. The truth is that God's grace changes everything about us. When we accept him, we are made new--no longer identifying with the person we were but transforming into the likeness of Christ. Even if our physical name does not change, our spiritual name is borne in that moment. We are called to reflect the face of Christ and the love of God. Blessed is the name of those who hear and answer, Yes, Lord!

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! Thank you for revealing our true selves. May we be known as kind, gentle, loving, and compassionate. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: By what spiritual name do others call you?

We are born of the Spirit! Pastor Liz