Elkanah - /ɛlˈkeɪnə/

Figure 1: Father playing a guitar to his children

Note: Image generated using Microsoft AI Designer from the prompt of a dad plays guitar in a sunlit living room while his toddler plays nearby. Outside the window there is a magnolia tree blooming on a spring day in a colorful, pixel art style. 

Dear Reader,

Have you ever wondered what your name means in God's grand plan? Names in the Bible often carry deep significance, revealing God’s purposes and plans. Today, we delve into a fascinating topic—Elkanah (pronounced /ɛlˈkeɪnə/). When God brought this subject to my heart, I initially thought of Elkanah, the father of Samuel and the husband of Hannah. However, as I explored further, I discovered deeper spiritual meanings associated with this name. What does it truly mean to be "Elkanah'd"? Let's explore.

The Meaning of Elkanah

The name ‘Elkanah’ is derived from two Hebrew words: "El," meaning God (derived from "Elōhīm"), and "qānāh" meaning to create, possess, or purchase. Put together, Elkanah translates to "God has created" or "God has purchased/possessed." This name carries profound spiritual implications, suggesting a relationship where God takes ownership and plays a pivotal role in the creation and redemption of His people.

We Have Been Purchased by God

Elkanah suggests the concept of God possessing or acquiring something precious. This is not just about ownership but about a significant transaction. Originally, we belonged to someone else—our previous master, sin. Through Adam's disobedience, humanity fell under the dominion of sin.

  

Sin, acting as a master, paid its wages: death. Romans 6:23 puts it plainly:

If you serve sin as your master, it will pay you with death. But if you belong to our Lord Jesus Christ, God gives you a gift! That gift is life with God for ever.

Physical vs. Spiritual Death

You might wonder, "But as a sinner, wasn’t I alive and well?" Here, Paul isn’t referring to physical death but to spiritual death—death of the spirit. The Bible distinguishes between physical and spiritual death. Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body, while spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God. Sin leads to spiritual death, but through Christ, there is a promise of eternal life. Genesis 2:7 illustrates how God breathed life into man, signifying a spiritual connection that sin disrupts.

To illustrate: Imagine our lives as a lamp. God’s spirit is the electricity that powers this lamp. Sin acts like a power cut, plunging us into darkness—spiritual death. We exist physically alive, just as the lamp exists, but our spiritual connection to God is severed. This fate of spiritual death was what awaited all men due to Adam’s disobedience.

Jesus: The Ultimate Transaction

In His immense love and mercy, God devised a way to redeem us. He sent His only Son, Jesus, to re-bargain for our souls. Jesus willingly left the glory of heaven to live as a human on earth, experiencing hunger, pain, and the trials of life. Despite these challenges, He lived without sin, proving that it is possible to live a sin-free life. This was necessary for Him to fulfill His role as the unblemished sacrifice.

Jesus’ ultimate act of love culminated in His crucifixion—a death reserved for the worst of sinners. But in His death, Jesus did something extraordinary. He descended into hell, took back the authority that made sin our master, and offered us a choice. This monumental exchange means that we are no longer bound to serve sin.

     

Choose Life: Becoming God’s Possession

Jesus’s sacrifice gives us the choice to either remain under sin's mastery, leading to spiritual death, or become subjects of God, leading to eternal life. God has purchased us from the devil. We are His prized possession, given a second chance to enjoy fellowship with Him. But the choice remains ours. serve sin and face death, or serve God and receive eternal life. This choice is a fundamental aspect of Christian belief, emphasizing free will and personal responsibility.

How to Choose Life

Choosing life involves a conscious decision to follow Jesus. Here are the steps to take: (a) Believe In Jesus: Have faith and acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God and the way to eternal life.  (b) Repent: Acknowledge your sins and ask for God’s forgiveness.  (c) Commit: Decide to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings. You cannot serve two masters. Turn away from the pleasures of sin and embrace a life of righteousness.  (d) Obey: Live a life that aligns with the Bible's instructions, guided by the Holy Spirit.

A Prayer to Start Your Journey

If you are ready to choose life and embrace your identity as one purchased by God, pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, I now announce to sin, hell, and the grave that I believe in You, in Your power, and the sacrifice You made for me at the cross of Calvary. I believe that You defeated sin, hell, satan, and the grave. I hand over my entire life to You and pledge my allegiance to You as my master, leader, and God. Please forgive me for the times I have sinned and accept me back into Your kingdom. From this moment onward, I am a bona fide child of God and will live as such by Your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.”

For further guidance, feel free to explore the other posts on this blog and reach out. You can register your email using this Google Form to receive personalized assistance in your journey with God. By signing up, you’ll gain access to exclusive content, personalized advice, and a supportive community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How are we 'purchased' by God?

We are 'purchased' by God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. According to Ephesians 1:7, through Jesus' blood, we receive redemption and forgiveness of sins. This transaction implies that God bought us back from the dominion of sin and death, making us His own.

2. What is spiritual death, and how does it differ from physical death?

Spiritual death refers to a separation from God, which occurs when one lives in sin. It is the death of one's spirit, which results in the loss of connection with God’s life-giving presence. Physical death is the end of our physical existence, but spiritual death means being cut off from God eternally. Spiritual death can occur even while a person is physically alive.

3. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?

Jesus died on the cross to fulfill God’s plan for salvation. By living a sinless life and dying a sacrificial death, Jesus paid the price for our sins, thereby defeating sin and death. His death and resurrection provided the way for humanity to be reconciled with God and offered a choice to be freed from the power of sin.

4. What does it mean to choose life according to the post?

Choosing life means deciding to turn away from sin and follow God. It involves believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, asking for forgiveness, and committing to live according to God’s word and teachings. By choosing life, one embraces the eternal life and spiritual relationship with God that He offers.

5. Can I still be saved if I have sinned in the past?

Yes, salvation is available to everyone, regardless of past sins. The message of the Gospel is that through Jesus’ sacrifice, all sins can be forgiven if one repents and believes in Him. God’s grace is sufficient, and His forgiveness is offered to all who sincerely seek it.

6. How can I know if I am living as a servant of God and not sin?

Living as a servant of God involves continually aligning your life with God’s teachings, found in the Bible. This means actively resisting sinful behavior, seeking God’s guidance through prayer, and striving to live a life that reflects God’s love and holiness. Regular self-reflection and seeking accountability within a faith community can also help.

7. What steps should I take to begin my journey with God?

To begin your journey with God, start by: Believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior; Confessing your sins and asking for God’s forgiveness; Committing to living according to God’s word and following Jesus’ teachings; Connecting with a local church or faith community for support and growth; Engaging in regular prayer, Bible study, and worship to deepen your relationship with God.

Conclusion

Being ‘Elkanah’d’ means understanding that God has purchased and possessed us for a purpose. He calls us to live a life that reflects this holy transaction. By embracing this truth, we choose a life filled with purpose, love, and eternal joy. Choose life today, and experience the fullness of God's love and grace.

Thank you for reading.

Kora.

References

1. Qanah Definition
2. Elkanah on Wiktionary