A New Identity.

What’s the story behind my nickname? I will start with encouragement. I was at a low point in my life when the Lord gave me my nickname. Before I elaborate on this, let me share an important point in the Bible. As I study the word, Jesus would change the names of some of his disciples because it had a meaning. Words are powerful.

Let’s start with Peter. His name originally was Simon. Let’s look at these verses below–

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ( Matt 16:16-18)

The Greek and Hebrew meaning of Simon means to hear. Notice what Jesus did, He changed Simon’s name to Peter which means a rock. ( Matt 16:16-18) This is important because as he experienced a name change, it helped Peter to grow spiritually and become rock-hard in his faith. He went from becoming a hearer to a doer.

Again, words are powerful and Jesus knew that. As we study the life of Peter, he was put under pressure when they arrested Jesus. As they carried Jesus away, he was approached by a certain maiden and was recognized as one of his disciples. He denied knowing Jesus.

This caused Peter great sorrow and he wept bitterly ( Luke 22:61-62). He was wounded emotionally, left the faith, and went back to fishing. Hurts and wounds can affect your walk with the Lord. Peter probably had a hard time forgiving himself. After the Lord resurrected, he looked for Peter.

When he found him, he got restored and got right with the Lord. Jesus knew ahead of time that Peter would need a word of encouragement. In these verses below, we see the compassion of our Lord. Before his betrayal, He starts by calling him by his former name Simon (2x).

This was done to call him to attention. He had forgotten that his name was changed to Peter ( Rock-hard faith ) and was starting to go back to his former life. Jesus gave him a prophetic word of how he would be sifted by the evil one but to take heart, he had prayed for him.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. ( Luke 22:30-32 )

Peter became a hearer (Simon) and not a doer. He allowed the prophetic name change to slip by him and when he was tested, his faith failed him. The word of the Lord is a sure word of prophecy. Thank God Jesus prayed for him. He does the same for us, too when our faith fails. That is good news!

A word for me.

My personal testimony of my name change came when I reached the age of 60 years old. I thought my life was over and I had done all I could for the Lord. I started to get discouraged until God spoke to my spirit–I am not done with you. I have just begun my work in you.

He further added these words—You shall be called Caleb. If you search your Bible, Caleb was Joshua’s partner and was used in his later years for God’s glory. The amazing thing is that my son’s name is Joshua and he is one of my closest supporters in the ministry.

I am not saying that every believer should have a nickname. God can still use you as you are. Remember, you have the name of Jesus. You are hid in him and that should be more than enough. More on this teaching on the video provided below. God bless.