A new name.

Revelation 2:17, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’“

He who has given us new life gives new names. Abram, “exalted father,” becomes Abraham, “father of a multitude.” Jacob, “supplanter,” or “he cheats,” becomes Israel, “one who strives with God,” or “God strives.” Simon, derived from Simeon, “hearing,” becomes Peter, derived from the word for “rock.” “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ ” In Him we are more than conquerors, through Him who loves us!

Thank You for making all things new, for calling us as your people!

ESV Lectionary