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What's Your Name? II

             So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis1:27)

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29)

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” (Hebrews 2:12)

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:28& 38)

 

In The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Aslan calls the Pevensie boys “Son of Adam” and the Pevensie girls “Daughter of Eve.” At the end, he announces them as King Peter, King Edmund, Queen Susan, and Queen Lucy. In Scripture, God sometimes changes people’s names: Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, and Simon to Peter, at least. In yesterday’s post, I wrote about what the Angel of the Lord called Gideon and I asked what the Angel might call you (or me!)

One possibility is “Image-Bearer.” The word image in Genesis 1:27 is Selem, and I am going to have to write a story that includes that name! Given what I’ve shared about peace in the past, I find it interesting that Shalom (peace) sounds similar to Selem (Image.)

 Another possibility is some variation on Tela (“Child”) like Talitha. Or Bathyahwey (Daughter of God) or Benyahwey (Son of God.) Or Bathyeshua (Daughter of Jesus) or Benyeshua (Son of Jesus.) Or Taleyeshua (“Little Jesus” along the same lines as Billy is “Little William.”)  Another possibility might involve what we are created to do, just as people who made shoes for horses might expect to be named Smith. This is how Gideon would be called “Mighty Warrior,” and possibly how James and John were called “Sons of Thunder.”

This might not be a critical thing to you, but since I’m dealing with some changes in my life, the question of where I’m supposed to go and what I’m supposed to do touches the question of who I am. When the angel showed up in Mary’s life, he said very nearly the same thing that the Angel of the Lord said to Gideon: “Greetings… the Lord is with you.” But her answer was better.

So, once again, who are you? What’s your name? It doesn’t have to stay the same forever, but is there a name that resonates with both Scripture and your circumstances? Talk to God about it, even if it’s a name you’ll share with no one else. 

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