A New Name, A New Start
In the book of Revelation, in unique symbolic language, Jesus says, “I will give you a white stone with a new name written on it…” Revelation 2:17
In the ancient world, jurors at a trial, would vote with stones: black for guilty, white for innocent.
Jesus announces, in Revelation 2:17, when we stand before God, we will be declared innocent. Not because we never made mistakes, but because we will be tried under a different name. A name with no record attached to it.
We will be given a white stone, with a new name written on it. All our failings and betrayals will be gone forever, recorded against the old name. Against the black stone.
When you choose to follow Jesus, (not perfectly, but you choose to follow him), he changes your name.
He changes your name from hopeless to a LIVING HOPE.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
He changes your name from fatherless, abandoned to ADOPTED and FOUND.
“Father to the fatherless, defender of widows–this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.” Psalm 68:5-6
He changes your name from overwhelmed by troubles to OVERCOMER and SAVED.
“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.” Psalm 138:7
He changes your name from accident to INTENTIONALLY MADE!
“You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me…Everything you do is marvelous! With your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do.” Psalm 139
Because of Grace, your name is not Slave, but CHILD and no matter how crumpled up or run over you might feel, you are INFINITELY VALUABLE.
“…you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15-16
Because of Grace, He sees you as you will become and not as you are, not STRUGGLING SINNER, but REDEEMED SAINT.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
God is a game-changer, where relationships supersede religion.
God is a shame-changer, where forgiveness defeats condemnation.
God is a blame-changer, where the shepherd's voice drowns out the accuser.
God is a fame-changer, where His glory out-rivals my pride.
AND God is a name-changer, where His future for me eclipses my past.
“I will give you a white stone with a new name written on it…”
Revelation 2:17