“In Judaism, naming rights is a sacred responsibility and a prophetic privilege. It’s not just calling something what it is. It’s calling out what it can be. Naming has the power to alter identity, alter destiny. . . . When God wants to rewrite our stories, He often gives us a new name. It’s a new cue, and it can change our trajectory.”- Mark Batterson
“So they shall put my name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”- Numbers 6:27 (NKJV)
Mark Batterson concludes Day 11 of Do It for a Day as he talks about a phrase that the Torah puts on repeat – put His name. Most significantly, Pastor Batterson observes, God always looks for naming opportunities. Certainly, God puts His name on places. But He also puts His name on people.
In addition, Mark finds, the phraseology — put my name on them — synonymous with putting on clothes. As a result, we clothe ourselves with Christ. And Christ clothes Himself with us. Furthermore, Judges 6:34 (ESV) presents Gideon as Exhibit A: “But the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon . . .”
Therefore, Pastor Batterson exhorts:
“What name of God do you need to clothe yourself with? He is Jehovah Jirah . . . Jehovah Nissi . . . Jehovah Shammah. . . . Don’t let culture name you or tame you. Peel off those false labels, and let God put His everlasting name on you!”
In Judaism, four dimensions of discipleship exist. To follow a rabbi, a student:
- memorizes the rabbi’s words
- adopts his unique interpretation of Scripture – called a yoke
- imitates his way of life
- disciples others the same way the rabbi discipled the student
Finally, discipleship means getting into the character of Christ and taking your cues from the script of Scripture. Hence, flip the script – through flipping the blessing. Discipleship = growing fruit on someone else’s tree. When you own your identity, that identity will own you. Thus, Mark encourages, know your name!
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you apply naming rights as a sacred responsibility? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Kissing the wave – innovate”
