Devotionals
Devotional
What’s In A Name!
Numbers 3 2
Dr. Bartholomew Orr, Senior Pastor ·
From the Archives · Pastor Orr Devotional
READ – “Nebo, baal-meon, and Sibmah. They changed the names of some of the towns they conquered and rebuilt.” Numbers 32:38 NLT
EXAMINE – The tribes of Reuben and Gad wanted to settle on the east side of Jordan River because the land was suited for their animals (Numbers 32:1). Moses at first objected because he thought their actions would discourage the other tribes from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 32:2-15). But their motives were pure, and they committed to go across the Jordan River and fight with their fellow tribes (Numbers 32:17). As they conquered and rebuilt towns, they changed the names of the place (Numbers 32:38). One man, Nobah, renamed the area he captured after himself (Numbers 32:42).
APPLY – Names matter. A new day brought about a new name for some places. They weren’t rewriting past history but just recording their present blessings. Some of the towns even had false gods in their names (i.e., Baal-meon – v.38). Changing the names of the towns testified to the blessings of the LORD and the accomplishments of the people. What a practical and relevant lesson for us today that some names of places, buildings, etc. need to be changed to reflect the current times or present heroes.
PRAY – Father God, in these divisive times, give us wisdom on what changes we need to make to bring unity as we celebrate our diversity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
EXAMINE – The tribes of Reuben and Gad wanted to settle on the east side of Jordan River because the land was suited for their animals (Numbers 32:1). Moses at first objected because he thought their actions would discourage the other tribes from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 32:2-15). But their motives were pure, and they committed to go across the Jordan River and fight with their fellow tribes (Numbers 32:17). As they conquered and rebuilt towns, they changed the names of the place (Numbers 32:38). One man, Nobah, renamed the area he captured after himself (Numbers 32:42).
APPLY – Names matter. A new day brought about a new name for some places. They weren’t rewriting past history but just recording their present blessings. Some of the towns even had false gods in their names (i.e., Baal-meon – v.38). Changing the names of the towns testified to the blessings of the LORD and the accomplishments of the people. What a practical and relevant lesson for us today that some names of places, buildings, etc. need to be changed to reflect the current times or present heroes.
PRAY – Father God, in these divisive times, give us wisdom on what changes we need to make to bring unity as we celebrate our diversity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
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