A New Name

            

           It’s almost New Year's; a time for resolutions and, in theory, change.  Many plan for such events, but some consider it just a waste of time, since after all the thought and planning that goes into it, it’s so hard to make it work, for longer than a week or two! 

Making New Year’s Resolutions is something I did for years.  My intentions were sound, but like for most, follow through was tough.  What usually happened, was out of the eight to ten ‘resolutions’ written, I’d settle into one or two that I’d carry out through the year.  That’s a horrible ratio, but honestly, it was still better than not having any at all!

 

When making these resolutions, the idea is to create a better ‘you.’  It’s what our mind’s eye sees as working toward ---the 'something better,' within ourselves.  Scripture tells us we are to work toward ‘perfection’ while acknowledging the truth that none of us can be perfect.  We are human and humans fail. 

 

Sometimes during this yearly ritual of ‘trying to improve myself,’ I wondered about my name.  Perhaps that sounds odd, but names are important.  Even when Jesus was calling his Apostles, he gave some new names.  Bible names often reflected the character of the bearer.  Consider first in the Old Testament where Abram’s name meaning ‘high father’ was changed to Abraham, meaning he was to be ‘father of many nations’; Sarai meaning ‘princess’ was changed to Sarah, as a ‘woman of high rank’  and Jacob meaning ‘supplanter’—which means having the desire to take over someone else’ place -- to Israel meaning ‘he strives with God,’ from when he wrestled with God. 

 

In the New Testament Simon was called Peter, meaning ‘rock’ because he was to be the ‘rock of the church, sent to help build its foundation.’   Another significant name change in the New Testament is Saul which means ‘to question', and was changed to Paul meaning 'humble, small or little.' 

 

One other name that stands out in the Bible as changed, is Lucifer.  He was one of God’s chief angels known as the 'morning star', but he rebelled against God and was cast out of Heaven.  His name changed to Satan, meaning 'adversary'—and even in today’s world, this adversary remains vigilant.

 

If you could change your name, what would it be?  If God were to change your name, what do you think (or hope) it would be?  Have you ever thought about your specific, given name?  What does it represent?  Does it fit your character or life?

 

The Bible references at least five times, the fact that one day in Heaven, we will get a new name. Rev. 2:17;  Rev. 3:12;  Isa. 56:5;  Isa. 62:2;  Isa. 65:15

 Revelation 2:17 is my favorite:  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.

 

            I’d love to know your favorite scripture on this topic---and if there is another reference other than the five I’ve noted, share!  And I’d also like to know the meaning of YOUR name and what you’d like it to be when you reach heaven.  What would you want it to represent--or say about you?

          HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVERYONE!

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