He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. Revelation 2:17
Most holy and loving Lord Jesus, who would have thought that a quick run to the grocery story would result in a painful study in “naming”? I’m sure that little boy, who was straining for his favorite box of cereal, has another name than “So-much-Trouble” and “Such-a-Bother.” I hope the frustrated, husband who shared the paper-goods isle with me, calls his wife other things than “Slow,” “Indecisive,” and “Wasteful”. It seems like we live and die by the names we are given, and we harm or heal by the names we give.
How I praise you, Lord Jesus, for having the name that is above every name. It’s by your name, and everything your name signifies, that I am forgiven… I am declared righteous in the sight of God… I am being healed of every disease… I am being set free from every bondage… I am being “shalom-ed” and fitted for life in the kingdom… and it’s at your name, Jesus, one Day I will gladly bow my knees with everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth (Philippians 2:9-11).
It’s only because you overcame sin and death for me that I call myself as an “overcomer”. It’s only because you drank the cup of my judgment that I will feast on the “hidden manna” of eternity. It’s only because you are re-naming me in the gospel that I am being delivered from every wrong, cruel, damaging name I’ve ever received or given myself in life. And it’s only through the power, grace and glory of your name that I’m learning to be so very careful what I call, label and name others…
Whether or not there’s actually a new name by which you will address me in the new heaven and new earth, I don’t know and I’ll just have to wait and see. That today you call me “beloved,” is enough for now and eternity. So very Amen, I pray, in your merciful and matchless name.