He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it. Rev. 2:17 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, this Scripture reminds me that nothing is more central to our identity than the name(s) by which we live. Quite often, our most functional and formative name isn’t the one on our birth certificate.
Some of us have been branded with names that have shamed and wounded us deeply. And, regretfully, some of us have deeply hurt others by the labels we’ve placed on them. All of us stand in need of your mercy and grace, which you readily and freely give us in the gospel.
Whether or not there’s literally a new name you’ll give us in heaven, I’m not sure. But it’s enough that you look at us today and address us as “Beloved,” “Mine,” and “Desired”. I’m so grateful for the power of the gospel to rename, renew, and release us from old destructive labels—including the crippling ones we’ve given ourselves.
But as much as I love my new gospel-names, your name is the name I love to hear more than any other, Lord Jesus. It’s by your name we’re fully forgiven and declared righteous, are being healed of every disease, and freed from every bondage. And it’s at your name we will gladly bow, one Day, with everyone in heaven, on earth and under the earth… declaring that you are Lord, to the glory of God (Phil. 2:9-11). Hasten that most wonderful of all Days!
And Jesus, it’s only because you overcame sin and death for us that we claim the name “overcomer.” It’s only because you drank the cup of our judgment that we’ll get to feast on the “hidden manna” of eternity. It’s only because you love us, that we love you. So very Amen we pray, in your exalted and all glorious name.