By Solange Rodnez
Solange Rodnez is a retired registered nurse who has decades of experience teaching Sunday School lessons, Bible studies, and women’s groups. She wrote Daily Devotional as part of her time with God, studying the Word and sharing teachings on her daily prayer time.
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Revelations 2:17B – 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
A name change by God signifies a new identity. All believers have a desire to be known, especially by God, and it feels good to be personally acknowledged by name. Isaiah 43:1 says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.”
I was given the name Solange by my earthly father, and when he called me Sosso, I felt loved, accepted, special, and in a deep, close relationship with him. In 2 Samuel 12:24-25, it says that after Bathsheba gave birth to a son, David named him Solomon, and the Lord loved the child and commanded them to name him Jedidiah (which means Beloved of the Lord). Solomon was uniquely blessed by God throughout his life.
In Revelation 2:17, Jesus said to the church in Pergamum, “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.” What would your name be? Only you can identify your new name according to the way you live, your relationship with the Lord, and how your faith and good deeds relate to things above.
Imagine standing in a beautiful park where there are many colorful open umbrellas. Under each one, there is an engraved tag with names like gratitude, generosity, hope, peace, and love. God asks you which name you would like Him to call you. As for me, my answer would be gratitude, for I am so thankful for all God has done in my life from birth until now. Words are not enough to express my gratitude for His greatness, faithfulness, goodness, and infinite love for me. By His mercy, He singled me out among a multitude of people to give me eternal life. He called me His beloved, His treasure possession. I am His, and He is mine.
What about you? What would you like to be named? Could it be hope because you are confident that God will keep His promises? Could it be peace because you have that sense of tranquility, safety, and deep contentment no matter what trouble or chaos comes your way? Could it be love because your life shows evidence that you care for your neighbors and will go the extra mile to help someone in need? I John 4:7 says, “Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” Could it be generosity because you take joy in sharing your possessions, time, and talent with those you encounter without reservation? 2 Corinthians 9:6b says, “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Or could it be grace, a heart full of forgiveness, ready to turn the other cheek and show kindness to someone, even if they do not deserve it?
God is ready to give us a white stone with our new name. It is up to us to receive that wonderful new name given to us by our Abba Father. Our new name identifies who we are in Christ, His new creature, His children, His followers. By faith, we will overcome to receive all that God has in store for us.
https://beaconlightmin.com/experiencing-gods-love-devotional/
