To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1: 7, 8, NKJV.
Heavenly Father and Creator, thank you for being willing to change not only our names, but also our characters. Please help us to be more like You. This is our prayer in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
During this week’s study it was interesting to notice the effect that a name change can have on people, depending on who gave us the name in the first place, and who changed it. I have believed in the power of a name for a long time, and have even commented on this concept in more than one devotional. However, this week was the first time I had the opportunity to compare the permanent effect of God’s naming us, to the effect of human beings naming us. It was quite an eye-opener!
There is so much power in a name! This power is so evident, that if we are looking, we can’t miss it. This looking is not merely visual, it is more discernment. It is looking with the heart, with the eyes of the soul. It is hearing even those things that are too painful to be put into words; it is seeing behavior patterns that cause rejection by others, or that are at the foundation of low self esteem, if the name is a negative one. On the other hand, if it is a positive name, we can also discern empowerment, self-acceptance, and courage. These are some of the effects, names, given by human beings, can cause.
Now let me share with you, very briefly, what I discovered this week in the study of the Sabbath School lesson: Only God’s name change brings about a permanent change of heart! Remember when God changed Jacob’s name? Even though in the process of the name change, he would end up limping for the rest of his life, nevertheless, he received the courage he was lacking, and that prepared him for the encounter with his brother Esau; an encounter he had dreaded for at least – the half of his life!
Next, let us take a look at Daniel and his three friends, and the effect their name change had on them. From the choice of the original names their parents gave them, it is obvious that they expected their sons to be faithful to God all the days of their lives. Our Scripture for today states that when the “chief of the eunuchs” changed the names of Daniel and his friends, they had no change of heart! If they did – it was to be more faithful to God than they had ever been before. It did not change their minds, or their behavior: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Emphasis provided. Praise God!
Therefore, when God effects a name change in you, that is who you are. Cling to that name and allow it to change your heart! Then no one will be able to make you change your mind!
NOTE: This devotional has undergone some editing.