And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written. – Revelation 2:17 NKJV
Have you ever considered changing your name? I was blessed with a first name that is easy to pronounce in both Dutch (my mother tongue) and English. However, some names sound perfectly normal in Dutch, but a bit awkward in English. For example, ‘Harm’, ‘Bas’, ‘Floor’ or ‘Willy.’ 🤭
And when I moved to India, I had to make sure my name didn’t have an unfortunate meaning in Hindi. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. But if it were, perhaps I would’ve considered changing it, or adopting a different name to be called by in India.
Did you know God wants to give you a new name?
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 to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it. – Revelation 2:17 NKJV
At the time the book of Revelation was written, a white stone signified innocence. If you were tried for a crime, a white stone meant acquittal, whereas a black stone was given to the guilty.
To receive a white stone means that you are free from condemnation. You have been tried and have been found worthy. We receive the white stone because Jesus bore our guilt on the cross (Isaiah 53:4-6).
Written on this stone will be your new name. This new name, that only He and you know, is the testimony of your spirit; it’s how God sees you. He doesn’t see what you were according to your human nature. He sees the new creation in you (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).
I look forward to the day I receive my new name. What about you?
