E100: 097 | A New Name Just for You

"In today’s reading in Revelation chapter 2 to chapter 3 verse 22 John writes down Christ’s words to the seven churches in Asia. The main theme of his messages to the seven churches is to contrast congregations who were faithful in teaching and practice with those who weren’t. Two churches received only praise (Smyrna and Philadelphia) because they were poor and weak. In contrast, the church in Sardis thought they were alive when in fact they were dead." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio)

Read Revelation 2:1-3:22; | (ESV)

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To those who are victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give each of them a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. (Revelation 2:17)

Names are important in the Bible. They often had specific meaning and implications in life. In the Old testament we read about God changing a person's name to mark a spiritual change in that person or their relationship with God. God changed Abram's name to Abraham. Abraham means "father of nations" or "Father of a multitude."

This new name that will be given to us by Jesus is not just an identifying tag as our names are today, living here on earth. The new name given by Jesus will mean something significant. It will say something about who we are and how we lived our life. The new name will completely describe us as a person. It will be a unique and special name that no other creature has, and only the bearer of the new name will know what it even is. It won't be an identification tag for others to know us by. It will be an intimate personal name give to us by Jesus and known only in the confines of that personal relationship.

In ancient cultures, the white stone was a symbol of acceptance, honor and official approval. The white stone was given to those who were found innocent in a court of law. The guilty received a black stone. It was also given to victorious athletes in the ancient Olympics, as recognition of honored guests, and admission to significant events and sacred places.

The white stone with this new personal name written on it will expresses what God thinks of us. This white stone and our new name will symbolizes what God has done for us and in us. It will be a means of personal worship and praise between Christ and us. This new name will point to the individuality of exactly who we are to our Creator. This name will be a perfect picture of our soul.

I am working through the E100 Bible Reading Challenge again. You can learn more about my journey and read the other posts completed so far at this link. I encourage you to stop back soon to read another passage.

Please share your own thoughts on this passage in the comment section below or on the Facebook page.