MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IN HEAVEN
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.”
Revelation 2:17 (NASB)
Onomastics is the study of names. In biblical times and cultures, parents often chose names for their children that revealed deeper meanings. It may have been an observation of the child’s behavior, like with Jacob in the story of Jacob and Esau. Jacob means he who takes by the heel, or he who supplants (Genesis 25:25-27), which foreshadowed his schemes to take the family’s birthright from Esau.
God would also use names to communicate with His people. When two of the prophet Hosea’s children were born, God instructed him to name them Lo-ruhamah (she has not obtained compassion) and Lo-ammi (not My people) to communicate His displeasure with Israel’s idol worship.
A name isn’t merely something we’re called, but a core part of our identity. And who knows us better than God Himself? God’s communication in Revelation 2:17 may have been a message to the church of Pergamum, but it gives us unique insight into how personal our relationship with God is, especially once we’re forever in His presence in heaven. According to this verse, God will give a white stone with a new name to the believers who overcome, who fight the good fight and who finish the race and run to His arms at the end of their lives.
Whether this stone is a symbolic guarantee that our names are written in heaven or it literally has a name known only between you and God, each person is a unique identity and individual soul that God created. Each person reveals a unique aspect of God’s infinite personality, talent, creativity, compassion and love. If you’re a believer, a white stone is awaiting your arrival in heaven, and your ever-growing relationship with God will have all eternity to grow ever deeper!
APPLICATION: Take some time to meditate on the reality that God knows you by name. In a world of parasocial relationships where we know and respect people who will never know we exist, the God of the universe knows you. Sit in that and celebrate it today.
PRAYER: God, thank You for knowing and loving me. The God of the universe, the Creator of all, knows my name. Help me to walk in the truth of the name You know me by. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?