TODAY’S VERSE:

John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).

In prep school we recently taught a special lesson from a homework assignment given to the students. They were asked to read John 1 and come up with 3 questions. (You should take the time to go and read this chapter right now- you will be glad you did.) One of their questions was, “Why did Jesus change Simon’s name to Peter?” What is the answer, you ask? Well, names had great meaning back then. God often used name changes to reveal His plan to His people. The Apostle Peter’s name was Simon (he has heard) and it was changed to Cephas/Peter (rock) to show that he would be used by God as a foundation for the Church. Let’s talk about some other examples of name changes given in the Bible.

Abraham was the 1st Jew, the father of the Jewish race. His name Abram (noble father) was changed to Abraham (father of many) as a sign for the fulfillment of one of the promises in the Abrahamic Covenant.

Genesis 17:5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.

Abraham’s wife, Sarah, is the mother of the Jewish line. Her name Sarai (my princess) was changed to Sarah (mother of nations) to reveal her role in God’s plan.

Genesis 17:15-16  God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”

The Jewish line began with Abraham, his son Isaac, and then his son Jacob, whose 12 sons were the start of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Genesis 25:24-26a When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob

Jacob’s name (supplanter, one who tries to take another’s rightful place) was changed to Israel (one who wrestles with God) after this encounter with the Lord.

Genesis 32:24-28 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak. But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

In Biblical times, God revealed His plan for His people in many different ways. He spoke through His prophets, name changes, and even dreams. Today, He reveals His plan for us through His Word, the Bible. So, if you want to know what God’s will for your life is, it’s simple, really... READ YOUR BIBLE!!

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”