You Are, You Will Become! (eBook)

1
What’s In A Name

"Names are the sweetest and most important sound in any language."

- Mark Twain

Naming a child can be tricky. I remember forty-five plus years ago agonizing over what to name our first child. Should we keep it simple and do the junior thing if it is a boy? But then he might resent having the same name as his father. Or we would pick a name, feel pretty good about it, and then realize there was someone we knew who had that name and was a jerk. And on and on it goes.

Of course, you can always name your child something completely outrageous, which happens occasionally with famous people. Some of my you’ve got to be kidding me favorites are:

1. Moon Unit Zappa: Daughter of musician Frank Zappa and Gail Zappa
2. Pilot Inspektor Lee: Son of Actor Jason Lee and actress Beth Riesgraf
3. Blue Ivy Carter: Daughter of musicians Beyoncé and Jay-Z
4. North West: Daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
5. Apple Martin: Daughter of Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Chris Martin

These crazy, unconventional name choices seem cruel and potentially punishing, but what do I know?

I don’t think many today know the actual meaning of their name, or if they do, that it matters much to them. There have been periods over the years when a greater emphasis was put on the meaning of a name. It was a time when parents chose the name for their child based on its meaning. But for the most part, I think that has faded.

In biblical times, names were significant, often carrying deep symbolic, cultural, or religious meanings.

In many cases, names were chosen to reflect the individual's identity or character. For example, the name Isaac means "laughter," reflecting the joy Sarah experienced when she gave birth to him (Genesis 21:6). Similarly, Jacob's name means "heel-grabber" or "deceiver," which foreshadows his character and actions in the narrative (Genesis 25:26). This one always intrigued me. What parent gives their child a name that means liar, deceiver, or trickster?

Some biblical names were given because of divine revelation or intervention. For instance, the name Jesus, given to the Messiah, was specifically chosen because it means "Yahweh saves" or "God is salvation," indicating Jesus's mission and purpose (Matthew 1:21).

"A name is more than just a noun, verb, or adjective. It's your life, your legacy, your journey, and your identity."
- Alex Morritt

In biblical times, names were often passed down through generations to preserve family lineage and heritage. This practice is evident in genealogies found throughout the Bible, such as those in Genesis and Chronicles.

Names in biblical times often carried cultural significance or symbolism related to historical events, traditions, or religious beliefs. For example, the name Moses, meaning "drawn out [of the water]," reflects the circumstances of his birth and rescue from the Nile River (Exodus 2:10).

Some biblical names were given prophetically, indicating future events, roles, or destinies. For instance, the prophet Isaiah's name means "Yahweh is salvation," corresponding to the themes of redemption and restoration in his prophecies.

Names could also signify covenantal relationships between individuals and God. Abram’s name change to Abraham (meaning "father of a multitude") symbolized God's covenant promise to make him the father of many nations (Genesis 17:5).

Overall, names in biblical times were not merely labels but carried deep spiritual, cultural, and familial significance, reflecting the beliefs, values, and aspirations of the people who bore them. Only a little of this tradition has carried over significantly today, especially in the United States.

THE MESSIAH MEET AND GREET

This brings us to the text for this chapter.

One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
(John 1:40-42)

Initially, I found these verses bewildering. Now, I find them humorous. What is funny is the odd nature of Jesus’ statement to Simon upon meeting him for the first time. Simon is the crucial character of this book. His name is the first change with him upon meeting Jesus.

People introduce themselves in various ways depending on the context, cultural norms, and personal style.

"Hi, I'm Dave, and you are?”

"Hello, I'm Dave, I’m a pastor here.”

"My name is Dave, and I live in Marietta. Where are you from?"

"Nice to meet you; I'm Dave. I'm here for the conference."

"Hey there, I'm Dave. What's your name?"

"Hi, I'm Dave. Nancy suggested I meet you."

These are just a few examples. Introductions can vary significantly based on the individual's personality, the setting, and the purpose of the introduction. However, this first meeting between Jesus and Simon is quite frankly bizarre.

Imagine meeting someone for the first time and hearing them say, “Your name is Tom. You will be called Bruce.” Wait, what? What did you say? You’ve got to admit that’s crazy!

I wonder what was going through Simon’s mind after Jesus’ odd greeting. The first thing Simon had to notice was that Jesus knew his name and his father’s name. That’s impressive. Like the little girl reciting the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father which art in heaven, how did you know my name?”

“Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?”
- Steven Wright

As to the name change thing, Simon might have been thinking, I like my name; I don’t want to change it. Or, he might have thought, I like the name Peter. It has a much more robust and manly meaning and sound than Simon.

The name Simon has its origins in Hebrew. It is derived from the Hebrew name שׁמְְִעוֹן (Shim'on), which means "he who hears,” "he has heard," or “the listening one.”

The name Peter originates from ancient Greece. It is derived from the Greek name "Πέτρος" (Petros), meaning "stone" or "rock."

As a man’s man, a rough and rugged fisherman, Simon may have liked changing his name from “he who hears” to “the rock.” Dwayne Johnson, an American professional wrestler and movie actor, liked being called The Rock so much that he trademarked it.

Simon might also remember the instances in the Old Testament where God changed someone's name.

In Genesis 17:5, God changed Abram's name, meaning "exalted father," to Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude," as a sign of the covenant God made with him, promising to make him the father of many nations.

In the same passage in Genesis, God changed Sarai's name, meaning "princess," to Sarah, meaning "mother of nations," as part of the covenant with Abraham.

In Genesis 32:28, after wrestling with a man (often interpreted as an angel or God himself), Jacob's name was changed to Israel, which means "he struggles with God" or "God prevails." This name change symbolizes Jacob's transformation and his new identity as the father of the Israelite nation.

Suppose Simon had recalled any of those namechange instances in Scripture. In that case, he might have been greatly encouraged by what Jesus said, understanding that those name changes often reshaped the individual's identity, purpose, and relationship with God.

SIMON’S EARLY LIFE

The early life of Simon before he met Jesus is not extensively documented in historical records outside of the New Testament. However, the Bible provides some details about his background.

Simon, his brother Andrew, and their partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were fishermen by trade. Fishing was a common profession in Galilee, where Simon lived and worked. Simon’s family likely lived in or near Bethsaida, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

It is likely that Simon, like many others in his profession and social class, received primary education and training related to fishing and perhaps other practical skills. As a fisherman, he would have belonged to ancient Palestine's low to middle socioeconomic strata.

As a Jew living in first-century Palestine, Simon would have been familiar with the teachings of Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). He would have participated in Jewish religious practices, including attending synagogue services and observing Jewish festivals and rituals.

Simon’s early life was typical of many Jewish men in Galilee. He worked as a fisherman alongside his family and participated in the religious life of his community. In other words, there was nothing extraordinary about Simon.

This is why this bizarre meet-and-greet with Jesus is so unique. What was happening here? Why would Jesus say what he said to Simon? Why would he tell him his name was going to change?

YOU ARE, YOU WILL BECOME

What happens in John 1:42 is precisely what happens with everyone who meets Jesus for the first time. Jesus calls them by name, saying, “You are, you will become.” This is a beautiful picture of the miracle of transformation in one’s life when God intervenes.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed...