I was thinking of this old song I haven’t heard lately. One of my favorite verses says:
“I’ve got a new name written up in Glory
And it’s mine, oh yes it’s mine!”
I love this old gospel song. It refers to one of my favorite versus in the bible.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”
(Revelation 2:17)
Do you realize that when our earthly eyes close to this world we will instantly be standing in front of our King. First as overcomers He will give us some of the hidden manna. Now I have no idea what that is, but if He made it, you know it’s good. Or maybe, just maybe my grandmother Nana holds the secret recipe and she is now serving the Lord in the great big kitchen in the sky. As in Moses day the children of Israel received a portion of manna daily to sustain their needs. I somewhat suspect, and this is just speculation for all you theoretically minded gurus, that this manna could be something that will sustain us through all eternity. Fact is - it really doesn’t matter what I think, only what God thinks. I believe He is thinking pretty highly of His own saints when He gives them not only manna, but a new name.
As a young girl I despised my name. My maiden name was Roy, so can you imagine growing up with anything plainer than a name like Jane Roy. Seven letters took up my first name and last name. I often wondered why my parents couldn’t be just a little more creative. I wanted to change my name my whole life growing up. I dreamed of being called, Elizabeth, Rosemary, anything but Jane.
Then when I came to know the Lord in my teenage years I began to understand the significance in a name. As I studied names I found out that mine meant, “God’s gracious gift.” WOW! That made me proud to be called Jane. God called me a gift! I don’t know how much grace I have, except His. But nevertheless, I was pleased to understand the meaning behind my name.
Now, a time will come for me someday when God will give me a new name. Not just any name. A well thought out name. A name that is known only to me - the one who receives it. I sometimes think God will call me Tanisha! I use to joke with people and tell them my name was Tanisha. (Not too long ago either)
All kidding aside, what I’m trying to say in all this, is that God is graciously and deliberately planning what He will call us and my name will be more than just appropriate but fit only me. Can you imagine a God like our God taking the time to individually name each of His own children, saints, servants, and co - heirs with Christ? When I think of how many saints will gather round His throne in worship, I long to be there, dancing, singing, praying with saints of old like, Moses, David, Elijah, Peter, and Paul ( Not to be mistaken with Peter, Paul and Mary, though I hope they’re there too!)
Be encouraged dear one, God is always making plans… Always moving, never sleeping. He is preparing a place for you and me, getting the hidden manna ready to give us and engraving our name on a white stone. A name He has chosen appropriately for each of us. What a glorious day that will be! When my commission is finished here on earth, I look forward to being there with many of you!
Ah, dear Jane, your article truly ministered to my heart this afternoon. No way you could've known the horrid story behind my parents naming me. Just so you know, my name happens to be Treava, not Joyce. I take comfort in knowing He's got a new name for me and that He calls me "daughter," regardless of what my earthly parents chose to call me. Today, I am in need of a roof over my head and I'm totally relying upon the Lord to provide it. I take comfort as well in know that He's not only got a new name for me, He's got a place prepared for me too... a significant place... a place designed with me alone in mind. I can only imagine.
