Have you ever thought about the significance of your name? Not just the name your parents gave you, but the name God calls you by? The Bible tells us, “Without a vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18).
It also warns, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee” (Hosea 4:6). And finally, in Jeremiah 10:23, it says, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
These verses remind us of something powerful: our purpose is tied to God’s vision and direction for our lives. To walk in that purpose, we must understand who God made us to be. And that identity is often wrapped up in our name—our real, God-given name.
Why Was Simon's Name Changed?
Names in the Bible are more than labels. They’re revelations of identity, destiny, and purpose. Let’s consider Simon, the disciple whose name Jesus changed to Peter, which means "rock." When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:17-18).
Peter’s confession of Jesus’ identity as the Christ became the foundation of the Church. A “rock” made a confession that pointed to the Chief Cornerstone—Jesus Himself. But the story doesn’t end there. In Revelation, Jesus promises to give His followers a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it (Revelation 2:17). This signifies the unique identity and purpose God has for each of us.
There is what others call you, a given name, and then what God created you to be. What does this mean for you and me? It means the name the world gave us—whether it’s tied to our family, circumstances, or even our mistakes—does not define us. God has a name for you that reflects who He created you to be. As we head into 2025, I encourage you to cast aside the world’s labels and embrace the name God has for you. It’s time to step into your divine purpose.
When God Changed Abram's Name
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God changing people’s names to align with their Heavenly calling.These changes were never random. They were intentional and often marked a turning point in the person’s life. Let’s look at a few examples:
Abram, which means "exalted father," became Abraham, meaning "father of many nations" (Genesis 17:5). This name change was tied to God’s covenant promise that Abraham would become the father of a multitude of nations. What’s fascinating is that Abraham received this new name before he had any children with Sarah. His name became a declaration of God’s promise.
Similarly, Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah, which means "princess" (Genesis 17:15). This signified her role in God’s plan to bring forth a promised son, Isaac. Sarah’s name reflected her royal lineage in God’s unfolding story of redemption.
The Lord Named a Nation After Jacob
Jacob’s name meant "supplanter" or "heel-grabber." After wrestling with God, his name was changed to Israel, meaning "one who struggles with God and prevails" (Genesis 32:28). This new name signified his transformation from a deceiver to the patriarch of God’s chosen people.
The Pharisee Who Followed Christ
In the New Testament, Saul, the persecutor of Christians, became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly say God changed his name, the shift from Saul (a Hebrew name) to Paul (a Roman name) marked his mission to reach the Gentile world. Paul’s new identity was tied to his calling to bring the gospel to the nations.
The Power of a New Name
Why does God give people new names? Because a name signifies identity. It’s a declaration of who you are and who you’re becoming. When God gives you a new name, He’s calling you to step into your divine purpose. It’s not just about what you’ve done or where you’ve been. It’s about where He’s taking you.
Think about this: when Jesus called Peter a “rock,” Peter wasn’t always steady or reliable. He was impulsive, emotional, and even denied Jesus three times. But Jesus saw who Peter could become. God sees the same potential in you.
Finding Your Stone
In Revelation 2:17, Jesus says, “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”
What’s the significance of this stone? In ancient times, white stones were used as tokens of acquittal in court or as admission to special events. This white stone represents God’s declaration of your identity and your place in His kingdom. It’s personal. It’s intimate. And it’s yours.
The world is quick to label us. Maybe you’ve been called a failure, a disappointment, or something worse. But those labels don’t define you. God’s name for you is rooted in His love and purpose for your life. As we move into a new year, let’s reject the identity crisis the world tries to impose on us. Let’s embrace the name written on our white stone.
Can Your Heavenly Name be Known on Earth?
So, how do you discover your God-given name? Here are a few steps:
Seek God’s Vision: Spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal His vision for your life. Remember, without a vision, the people perish.
Study Scripture: The Bible is filled with examples of God calling people by name. Let these stories inspire you.
Listen to the Holy Spirit: Be attentive to how the Holy Spirit speaks to you. Sometimes, God uses circumstances, people, or even a quiet whisper to reveal your true identity.
Walk in Faith: Embracing your God-given name requires faith. Trust that God’s plan for you is good, even if you don’t see the full picture yet.
As you step into your destiny, remember this and as Sister Tasha Cobb sings; "You Know My Name." Not the name the world gave you, but the name He chose for you before you were born. Like Peter, Abraham, Sarah, and so many others, your name is tied to your purpose. It’s a reflection of who you are in Christ.
Let’s cast aside the labels the world tries to stick on us. Let’s embrace the name God has written on our white stone. Because when you know your real name, you’ll walk in your true identity and fulfill your divine purpose. And that, my friend, is the name worth living for.
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