Scripture Text: Hosea 12:3-6
the LORD, the God of hosts, the LORD is his memorial name:
Hosea 12:5
Some people have names that just fit:
- Usain Bolt, world record-holding sprinter
- Russell Brain, eminent British neurologist
- Igor Judge, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales
- Bill Medley, one of the Righteous Brothers
- Larry Page, co-founder of Google
- Larry Speakes, former Reagan spokesman
- Tiger Woods, professional golfer
- William Wordsworth, poet
In the Bible, people and places were given names that had great significance, and Israel had two of them. Hosea made subtle references to both those names in today’s passage. He cited both instances when the father of the nation was given a name to suit his actions. The first took place at birth. As Jacob’s brother Esau was born, the younger twin reached from the womb to grab Esau’s heel (Gen. 25:26). The name “Jacob” literally means “he grabs the heel” and is a Hebrew expression for deception. It was a sign of what would become an extended struggle with Esau and a metaphor for his propensity for trickery.
The second naming episode in Jacob’s life took place after his wrestling match with the angel of God (Gen. 32:28). He then received the name Israel, meaning “he struggles with God.” Verse 3 essentially reads, “In the womb, Jacob; as a man, Israel.” Both names suited him and applied equally well to the nation of his descendants who constantly deceived themselves and never stopped contending with God. Hosea alluded to these names to draw attention to Israel’s nature as a nation. Then he contrasted them with the almighty name of God.
What a contrast! Hosea stated God’s name as if he were issuing a call to worship. Indeed, he was exhorting Israel to completely change the way they worshiped by returning to exclusive allegiance to God and adjusting their lives in a manner befitting the holy name of their God.
They were to correct the key difference between them and their namesake. When Jacob contended with the Lord through the night and earned the name Israel, his commitment to God became stronger. The nation desperately needed to wrestle with who God really is, relent in humility, and return to a commitment to God alone.
Reflect
1. Do you truly understand the meaning of the Name of the Lord your God?
2. Do you truly understand the meaning of the Name, Jesus Christ, and calling Him as your Lord?
3. Do you realize that you are given a new name because of Christ?
Remember
In the New Testament, it tells us about a new name God has given to those who believe in Christ: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” On one hand, that name is the reason for incredible joy and encouragement. What an amazing identity to be God’s child!
However, bearing that name brings enormous responsibility as well. Our lives—both our actions and our hearts—should reflect the truth of who we are in Christ.
Read
Exodus 3:15; Psalm 135:13; Isaiah 42:8; 1 John 3:1-2
Pray
Dear Lord, I thank You that in Christ I bear a new name and that is to be called “Your child”, an identity that You alone bestows to whom You give favor. But, remind me always that it brings so much responsibility on my part to live to reflect who I am in Christ. This I pray in His Name. Amen.
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