But the one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is presently saying to all the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will let him feast on the hidden manna and give him a shining white stone. And written upon the white stone is inscribed his new name, known only to the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17 The Passion Translation
Names are important
The meaning of names is important even though many times we don’t act like it is true. Our culture does not put as great a significance on what a name means when picking names for our babies.
It is a different story in the Bible. In fact, significant things happened when God changed names. We see examples in Abram (meaning exalted father) when it was changed to Abraham (father of multitudes). Sarai (princess) became Saran (mother of nations). Jacob (meaning supplanter i.e. deceiver and one who grasps) to Israel which means honest man of God. In Heaven, we will one day get a stone with our new name engraved on it.
Active Expressions of Love and Honor:
- Do a little research to find out what the names mean. Write it in a card.
- Find a verse that goes along with the main concept defining the name.
- Tell stories of how they have fulfilled the positive aspects of their name and explore ways they can grow in those areas.
- Find scriptures that confirm this meaning.
- One of the most loving things you can do is create an acrostic for the names of your loved ones. Look for the words that personify how you see them and their potential. I created photo books for my grandsons and used a significant word for each letter in their name. They still ask to look at them. One day I will give it to them to pass them on to their children so they can honor their names as well.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for your commitment to the details in our lives even down to the very meaning of our names. I am so very grateful that you speak life and newness over us. You have great plans of hope and purpose no matter what we are going through. Bless our loved ones with fulfilling their destiny. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. As a caregiver and widow she took brave steps forward to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She has now remarried and enjoys her new hubby and spending time with their children and grandchildren. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.
