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Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Rev. 2:17, NIV
We often think of a name simply as something nice to call someone. It sounds a lot better than, “Hey you.” We know that in Scripture names have meaning and identify character. For example, the different Names of God, which He reveals to us, show us different aspects of His Character, His Being. Names were also changed when character changed [Jacob to Israel], God wanted to impart new vision [Abram to Abraham], etc. Of course, God’s Name never changes because He never changes, we simply learn new names, new things about Him.
When Jesus calls your name, He is calling out your new character. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, you have become a new creation living in a new heaven and a new earth. The fullness of this will be seen at the Second Coming, but it begins right now! You are a new creation with a new name pregnant with meaning. Everyone around you may still be using your given name [which is fine], but Jesus calls your name according to His purposes.
The basic new name that every believer receives is Christian - a Christ One. Just as the Name of Jesus is abused by many people, the name Christian is often stolen by those who have no right to it or implanted in commercial ventures that are not Christian in conduct. Nevertheless, that does not change the legitimate power and authority of those who have received this new name from Jesus Himself.
To truly have the name of Christian is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. When Jesus calls your name Christian, you are sealed to Him forever. Your new name embarks you on a journey of relationship with Almighty God. It is like going on an ocean voyage. All you may see around you is water and you have no idea in which direction to go, but your Captain knows. The waves may roll high, but your boat will never sink. It will come safely to harbour. The name Christian is the highest honour you can bear in this life, although the world may mock and despise it.
But Jesus calls your name, and Christian is not the only name He calls you. Jesus, of course, already knows all your names, but we have the joy of discovery. What is Jesus calling you into now? There will always be something new in God. Are you _______ the Joyful, or _______ the Thankful, or perhaps _______ the Mighty Warrior? What is Jesus leading you into now that will become part of your eternal name?
Remember Gideon hiding for fear of the enemy when the Angel found him and called him a mighty man of valour? It sure didn’t look that way. When Jesus calls your name, He sees what truly is. We often only see what appears to be. When Jesus calls us by a new name we are, like Abraham, to accept it by faith and move toward it. We know Jesus is the Truth. He would never give us a name that’s untrue.
When you hear Jesus calling you by a new name, grasp it in faith, a new door is opening for you.
For more information about Glenn Davis, see our About Glenn page or visit Glenn Davis Books.
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