Several months ago, Kate and I were worried about what to name our son, who will be joining us in about six weeks. We looked at name lists, family trees and the Bible for inspiration. I made a big deal in a post about the meaning of a name, and then the name we chose - Grayson - means son of the bailiff. That's right. The courtroom security guy. But it really was the only name that was always on our ever-changing list, the only one that was never removed, as may were taken off and put back on.
So, what's in a name, I asked. When it comes to naming children, there is a lot of pressure to make sure he doesn't get beat up or made fun of, but as long as we like it, that's what really matters, right?
In Biblical times, parents were often told what to name their children or they were given a name that would literally define their life. Take Jacob, for example. He was a twin, born second, and named heel-grabber, which also meant deceiver. He went through life tricking his brother and taking advantage of him, only to be renamed by God. After wrestling with God all night, Jacob was given the name Israel, meaning one who struggles or wrestles with God (for a great story of transformation and redemption, read Genesis chapters 25-32).
Jacob didn't pick either of his names, but he lived up to them. For good or for bad. There's a parallel here somewhere to the way God moves in our lives.
From the beginning of time, I believe, God has called each of us to a certain life. He created us exactly the way we are. Sure, our parents gave us a name, but it is up to us to answer God's call on our life. To follow him or not. I believe God wants us all to chose him, to chose eternal life with him, but he doesn't force us into that decision. I also believe he knows what we will chose before we chose it. I can't get into a theology debate here (even though it would be with myself) about free will versus predestination. I just can't do it.
I can tell you that God tried to get a hold of me around age 14 when for some reason I developed a strange interest in Christian music. I started to pray on occasion but I still don't know why. God called. I didn't answer.
Fortunately, he called again when I was 16, and this time I was more than happy to pick up. I could have continued to ride the fence and never taken the plunge, or whatever cliche you want to use. I could have stayed in my bubble, continuing to live in a fantasy world where I could satisfy myself and the things of this world would fill me up. If I hadn't turned to God then, I'm not saying he wouldn't have tried to reach me again, but I don't know if I would have been accepting. God wanted me to accept his offer of everlasting love, but I wasn't ready for it. There might be a lot of people out there who God is calling to, but who just aren't willing or ready to say yes to the gifts he has for us.