Name Changer

By Paula Williamson guest writer

Name Changer

What do you call yourself when you’ve failed, messed up, forgotten something important, responded without the patience you wished for, or found yourself down in the dumps? I’m guessing it’s not a very good name.

There are three gifts promised in Scripture that intrigue me: hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name written on the stone—a name God gives.

It is written:

“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.”—Revelation 2:17

Hidden Manna

I am no theologian, but when I read the inspired words of God—the One who spoke the universe into existence—I stand in awe. Even today the seasons arrive like clockwork, birds migrate across continents, and the oceans stay within the boundaries He set. And the unconditional love of Jesus wraps around me like a warm blanket.

The names I find in the Bible are much kinder than the ones my mind sometimes gives me. Scripture calls me forgiven (Col. 1:13–14), chosen (Col. 3:12), loved (John 3:16), redeemed (Gal. 3:13), blessed (Deut. 28:6), led (Rom. 8:14), the light of the world (Matt. 5:14), an heir (Rom. 8:17), adopted (Gal. 4:5–7), more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37), an overcomer (Rev. 12:11), the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13), a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), and delivered from darkness (Col. 1:13).

When I break open the Bread of Life—God’s Word—each day, I discover hidden manna that feeds me with nourishment the world cannot offer. My soul is satisfied.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that the words You call me are kinder and more merciful than anything my own mind could ever imagine. Thank You for the promises in Your Word—extravagant, life-giving, and heart-changing. Help me remember who You say I am.

Takeaway

The world, my past, and even my own thoughts may try to give me names that do not belong to me. But God is the ultimate Name Changer.

And one day, He will place a white stone in my hand with a new name written on it—one that comes from His heart.

That is the name that matters.