2:20 – What’s My Name

#faithbites #faithjourney name

When I was younger, I hated the name Solomon or Sol. It was different, unique and I got made fun of, a lot. I often heard the old Solomon Grundy nursery rhyme and later the Zombie-like character in DC Comics. For a time, my mum told me to go by my middle name, David, but that didn’t feel like me. So I stuck with Sol. That is who I am.

What are you called? What do others call you?

Our name or names we call ourselves reflect how we feel about ourselves. Call yourself an idiot, moron, jerk, and worse, you begin to believe it. Call yourself friendly, happy, lovely, smart, beautiful, you begin to believe it.

When others call us the same, we also internalize it.

I like the latest name I have: I am a Child of God.

Scripture

• The nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory; And you will be called by a new name Which the mouth of the LORD will designate. – Isaiah 62:2
• He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. – Revelation 3:12

Reflection

In both Isaiah and Revelation, we see we will have a new name. Be it our city or ourselves. We also see in the Bible that God and Jesus changed peoples names to represent a new purpose and new beginning (Abram, Jacob, Jedidiah, Sarai, Simon, Saul).

Likewise in some Christian denominations during a Baptism you are asked what the Child is to be called. Some give a new name connected to the past, others use the name they were given at birth, still others create something new. Even in the Jewish Faith, they have your Hebrew name.

This new name shouldn’t be forgotten. It follows a long line of people who are Children of God, with a new name and a new purpose.

When life is hard and gets you down, don’t forget. God have you a new name. No matter what others call you, no matter what you call yourself, you are still called A Child of God.

Charge

Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you call yourself? Do you like the name you use? Is it a strong and powerful name? Maybe it’s a name that hurts you. Try to remember that no matter how bad the days are, no matter what others call you, God is here for you and he calls you child.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for my new name. Give me the strength to always remember that no matter the labels or names other call me, I am a child of God. I have been chosen by God and he will do anything to including giving up his son to love me. Remind me that his love is what matters and not the names the world casts upon me. In your great name, Amen.