When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!” “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. Luke 1:57-65
One singular blessing, which a father leaves in the life of his son, whether consciously or unconsciously is the name he gives his son. Names are given for identification, differentiation and memorial. It is also given for curse or for a blessing.
Rachel gave Benoni to her last born. But the child’s father, Jacob changed the name to Benjamin. Benoni means son of my sorrow. Benjamin means son of my right hand.
In Israeli culture, women are not allowed to give names to their children. This is so because it is considered that the owner of the sperm which developed in her is the male. Elizabeth gave birth to a child and said his name is John. “He shall be called John” – Luke 1:60.
The name she gave was rejected until Zachariah who was dumb confirmed the name his wife gave in writing. Whiles the males are considered the owners of every child, the females are known to be developers.
The name Benjamin which Jacob gave his son altered his destiny. In God’s right hand lies his power. “Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed….with the saving _power of his_ _right hand”- Psalms 20:6. The name Benjamin gave him access to godly power.
The first king of Israel came from Benjamin even though he was the last born and had no natural connection to rulership in Israel. The name Benjamin gave him the right to rule because he was the son of his father’s right hand.
Many people bear names they don’t even understand. Whether you understand your name or not, the meaning will affect your life. Bad names cast a slur on your life no matter your tribe or race. What is the meaning of your name?
LET’S PRAY
Heavenly Father, give me grace enough to always remember that, just as a mango tree does not bear oranges, an evil name cannot produce good life in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen Amen Amen
AGREE WITH ME
You are a plant and you just need water to flourish and bear fruit to fulfill your destiny. So, you need to be connected to the Source that never dry. I therefore decree and declare this morning “May your business, finances, career, academics, marriage, family, health, physical person and spiritual person be connected to the Fountain of life, by the Power of the Holy Spirit in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!”
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