KING JEHOIAKIM

The King with a changed  name. -its meaning- whom God will raise up.

Neco made Joahaz brother Eliakim king of Judah and changed his name to Jehoiakim . Joahaz was taken to Egypt by Neco. 2 Chronicles 36:4

Jehoiakim's 11-year reign was disastrous. Although he had opportunity to follow his father Josiah's righteous example, Jehoiakim turned to evil. Jeremiah described him as a presumptuous ruler who abused his own people and persecuted and murdered God's servants (Jeremiah 26:20-23).

Its not just enough to have a name changed during a baptism service or a born again experience and thereby to be known by a biblical name which carries fantastic spiritual meanings. The Christian life is  deeper than that and - must be based on the fear of God.An inward  spiritual change is what matters to God. Eliakim had a new name- Jehoiakim- but his manner of life did not reflect the meaning of that  name. Although his new name meant that God will raise up- in reality, he sunk. The name change did not affect him one little bit. He was captured and carried off to Babylon in chains.2 Chronicles 36:6

It is regretabble that even some notable preachers bore biblical names- but plunged other Christians into misery.David Koresh is just one example among so many. Don't join their ranks.Instead heed the  admonition of the Scriptures- " Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind"

When a Christian appears before the judgment seat of Christ- he would not be asked by what name he was known here on earth. All that would matter on that day is whether he did the Fathers will.Remember Jehoiakim's life.