Former President George W. Bush had a habit of providing nicknames to those around him, a way of characterizing their identity. Like nicknames others bestow on us, it is not always endearing to the receiver. For instance, my mom was the first to call me “Chucky-poo.” I also answer to “Sir-Charles,” “Chucky,” and a string of other labels. You may prefer to remember titles previously held, like Director or Vice President. For me, a couple of men even now call me “Colonel,” a title many years forgone. What is your favorite label or name? My favorite is based on John 1:12: “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
See our shared identity as “children of God”? No better distinction exists than permanent adoption into God’s family and the corporate identity we share as brothers and sisters in Christ. How about Jesus’ names? Lord of lords, King of kings, Savior, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Son of God, Son of Man, and countless others. When you see Him face to face, how will you address Him? Our contrarian God and friend provides that answer for us. He tucked away this wonderful promise in Revelation 2:17: “…To the one who is victorious… I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”
Etched on that stone, He does not give me a new name, but rather the perfect name He wants me to use for Him through all eternity. It uniquely summarizes my personal relationship with Him; it reminds me of my personal redemption and cements my true identity in Christ. Your name for Him, written on your stone, will encapsulate your endearing love for Him because He knows you more than you realize. Everything unique about your relationship will be in that name.
by Elder Chuck Wolfe
