Have you ever wonder what does your name means? Though it may be an English name, or a foreign name (chinese, tamil etc), surely it contains a meaning to it. Our parents would normally name us accordingly to the meaning that their would want us to portray in our life. Many a time, name may be the one that pull us up or destroy us. Why is this so? Ask a kid who had been bullied in school. Probably their name can be twisted to become a certain crude or funny name that can be labelled unto that poor child.
Similarly, in the Kingdom of God, our name is carved at the hands of God. We are remembered by our name. In Isaiah 43:1, it is written, "But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, OIsrael: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine."
Having a name with meaning is one thing. Being who the name signify is another thing. Many a time, we always question, "why do i have such name?" Rather than asking why, try searching for the true meaning of your name, and live it out.
My name is Abigail (in case you do not know). Abigail is a hebrew name which means, "God/He is Joy". So, how can i portray this wonderful meaning, if all day long, I'm unhappy and complaining about everything and anything under the sun? Instead of portraying such a lovely name, i'm actually doing it a disfavor. I realised that it's really true how name affects your destiny.
The woman in the bible, by the name of Abigail, truly is a great woman of God. If you follow the story of her in the bible, one thing really stand out strongly, that God indeed is joy, and from her, it also displays that sacrifice replaces all forms of selfishness.
Everyone knew the theory of "survival of the fittest". This is true in the case of Nabal, the husband of Abigail in the bible. He is a man widely detested by those around him, especially David. The story goes on to show the tension that is slowly arising out of the situation BUT Abigail, the wife of Nabal, stands in the gap. Even though Nabal may be "brutish and mean" as seen in 1 Samuel 25:3 (MSG), Abigail is "intelligent and good-looking" (1 Sam 25:3 MSG). Though she may be both, it is not just on the outer surface, but rather, it is more of how she turn this and use it to save her family.
When Abigail heard of what Nabal had done, she spring into action by warning David about what is going to happen and as such, it could be seen that she has stand in the final gap between her family and sure death. So, how does the meaning of her name works here? Well, firstly, she does not defend Nabal but agrees that he may be a bad character, which shows of good judgement, therefore bridging the gap between peace and anger as David might not listen to a woman who only wants to beg for the life of an evil man. This truly brings joy to David, as not only does she displays a good judgement, she begs for forgiveness and not of justice, accepting blame she she is innocent and offers gifts and warns David to leave Nabal to God's hand and avoid the heavy weight of remorse if he so ever kill Nabal. As such, God is truly glorified, that through one woman, she had saved the day of preventing a bloodshed from taking place, as well as putting peace into the heart of David.
Well, speaking on a personal level, for me, it talks quite deeply into my life. As the name that I carry, consist of a certain characteristic that links back to woman of the bible, named Abigail, King David's wife after Nabal was struck dead by God. The greatest lesson that can be learn from this story, is that of "taking our eyes from her beauty and set them on someone else's. She lifts our sight from a rural trail to a Jerusalem cross. Abigail never knew Jesus at that time of old testament, but she portrays His life in that she placed herself between David and Nabal. Jesus placed himself between God and us. Abigail volunteered to be punished for Nabal's sins." Christ is punished for the sins of you and me. "Abigail turned the anger of David." Christ shield us from the anger of God.
Through Christ, we gain love, peace and joy. Joy is achieved when sacrifice is made. Sacrifice should be made with joy. Joy is not just a feeling. It is a combination of action and sacrifice. For me, I treat my name differently from all other name, with the knowledge of this woman in the bible, of what she had done. Indeed, God is glorified, that probably all around the place during that period of time, people are glorifying God, joy fills the entire place, at the death of the evil man, Nabal.
One thing that really struck me tons, is not really about her being beautiful and intelligent (though it is a good quality to have in my life! haha...) but rather, it is that she stands in the gap, between her family and death. She save her family. She is like the beauty, standing face to face with the beast and not being afraid, she boldly took the step and trust wholly unto God for help.
My family has been going through many many things for few years already. Sometimes, i wonder. "God, when will this end?" But i wholly trust unto God, that He is never late. All things will fall into place. When i understand the full meaning of names, i longed to become like the Abigail, the woman in the bible, that stands in the gap for her family. Wow. How awesome. Total and complete trust to God. She is not afraid, but bold and full of confident.
No matter what you may be going through today, always remember, that God is always near. If you are willing to step out in faith and trust in Him, like how Abigail did. Never despise your name, regardless of what name you have, God called you by your name. There is a purpose for it.
Isaiah 45:4
".....I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me."
