Do you know the meaning of your name? After some searching I discovered that “Bethany” has several possibilities:
- House of Song
- House of Affliction
- House of Figs
Apparently there is a bit of confusion when it comes to translating the Hebrew language.
In Genesis 32, we read the story of how Jacob wrestles with God throughout the night, and when the morning dawns, he is given a new name: Israel.
The meaning of Jacob is “the deceiver”. Which when you look back at his life, this makes perfect sense. Jacob deceived his brother Esau out of his inheritance as well as his blessing – both a pretty big deal. But it is during this wrestling match that a significant change takes place, God takes this trickster and turns him into the namesake of God’s chosen people. This wasn’t just a name change, it was a change in identity.
When we repent our sins and accept the love, forgiveness, and eternal life that is offered to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have a change in our identity. THIS is a BIG deal. If we are not intentionally diligent about the choices we make on a day to day basis, it can become super easy to forget who we are in Christ.
Pay attention to who/what is influencing you. Are the people that you listen to or the media that you view, supporting your decision to be a follower of Christ? Or are this influencers trying to draw you away? What changes need to be made in order for you to live a life that shows that you have been changed by God?
Galatians 2:20 is my “life verse” – it helps me to remember my identity on a daily basis. Consider making it your special verse too, if you don’t already have one.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Many Blessings,
-bethany ligon
(aka house of figs)
(Photo By Eviatar Bach (Own work) [Public domain],via Wikimedia Commons)
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