New Name, New Identity

There was a certain Levite from Cyprus named Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas, meaning “son of encouragement”. (Acts 4:36)

When God changed a person’s name in the Bible, it was usually to establish a new identity, a new mission. Abram meaning “high father” was given the name “father of many nations” in Genesis 17:5. God said, “I will give you millions of descendants who will represent many nations. Kings will be among them.” Abraham’s wife, Sarai, meaning “my princess” was given a new name too- Sarah, meaning “mother of many nations”. In Genesis 32:28, God changed Jacob’s name, which meant "supplanter," to “Israel,” meaning “having power with God”. 

It would therefore not be surprising that with the believers, it would also signify a new identity and mission when one’s name was changed. There was a new believer, a Levite from Cyprus. His name was Joseph, and the apostles nicknamed him Barnabas, “son of encouragement”. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles for those in need. There are men and women like him today who give of their time, treasure and talent to build God’s kingdom. One man gave a very valuable property to our community so our Christian school could flourish. I am sure God has a special name for him in heaven. 

How about us? Do we have a special name reserved for us? Are we taking on our new identity in Christ, and moving forward in the mission He entrusted to us?