Daily Devotional: A Name Greater Than Son or Daughter

Hi everyone! Glad to have you here again! Today, we're exploring the daily devotional, sharing a quick reflection to help you begin your day with positivity.  Take a moment to read Isaiah 56:1-8 in your preferred Bible translation, then return here.

If you’re short on time, focus on this excerpt and note what resonates with you:

The Lord says:

To the eunuchs who honour my sabbaths,
choose what I desire,
and stay faithful to my covenant.
In my temple and courts, I will give them
a monument and a name greater than sons and daughters.
I will grant them an everlasting name
that won’t be erased.

This passage comes as the scattered tribes of Israel are returning from exile. They have undergone significant changes; many have spent years in captivity, while some have never known freedom at all. For them, the concept of "home" has shifted dramatically. Some have formed families far from their homeland, complicating their sense of belonging.

As they begin to practice their faith again as free people, they face the reality of a destroyed temple. Many of the spiritual rituals feel burdensome, particularly the restrictions placed on foreigners and eunuchs, who were traditionally excluded from religious life. With the realities of exile, however, the number of eunuchs and foreigners has increased significantly. Those who became eunuchs during captivity must have felt an even deeper sense of loss as they navigated their newfound freedom yet remained outsiders.

Instead of emphasising these laws, God offers a message of hope. Not only will these individuals not be cast out, but they will also receive names that hold greater significance than those of sons and daughters.

For those of us who have changed our names or faced rejection from our families or faith communities, this passage carries a powerful message: within God’s community, there is an expansive welcome, a place for us, and a name that is cherished and honoured.

Reflection Questions:

Reflect on the significance of your name (whether given or chosen). What does it represent? What does it reveal about your identity and origins?

Which communities have made you feel excluded? Where have you found a sense of belonging?

What does it mean to have a name that holds greater value than “son” or “daughter”?

Practical Exercises:

Find a trans person in your life and gift them something personalized with their new name.

Create a collage that represents your name and its meaning to you.

Donate a book about the importance of pronouns to your church or school library.

That concludes today's devotional! I hope this message has set a positive tone for your day. If it resonated with you, please consider liking this video and subscribing for more uplifting content. Thank you for joining me today, and remember to embrace your unique self! Take care and stay positive until we meet again!

Footnotes:

Source: Kearns, S., & Murphy, B. (2020). "Queers the Word" - (Adapted for reflection of The Covenant Extended to All Who Obey). Scripture: Isaiah 56:1-8

Image Title: "Reclaiming Sacred Spaces" Source: Midjourney’s image generation model.

These daily devotionals are intended for personal inspiration and may be shared as needed, including via our RSS feed. Interpretations may vary, so we encourage thoughtful engagement with the content. Please attribute appropriately when sharing to maintain integrity.