“I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isa.43:1). “No longer will you be called ‘Forsaken’, instead, ‘My Delight Is in Her’ … for the LORD delights in you and has made you his Bride“ (Isa.62:4). “One Day every knee will bow at Jesus’ name” (Phil.2:10).
Lord Jesus, these Scriptures remind us that nothing is more central to our existence than the name(s) by which we live. We are grateful to know you as the Lord of redeeming love and re-naming grace. Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, Simon became Peter, Saul became Paul—all by the power of your kindness and eternal purposes.
Whether or not there’s literally a new name awaiting us in heaven (Rev.2:17), it’s enough to know you now call us, “Mine“, “Beloved”, “Desired.” these aren’t nicknames but transforming realities more legal and lasting than anything we have ever been called in life. Jesus, please free and heal us of all the anti-grace, shame-poisoned, dignity-robbing names we’ve received in life.
Just as importantly, help us adress each other the way you address us—with kindness and grace, healing and hope. Convict us quickly and deeply when we harm others with weaponized words and mercy-void names. “You are pathetic.” “You’ll never change.” “You are pathetic.” “You are hopeless.” “You’re a failure.”—these aren’t “brands” like cereals on the shelf at Publix. They are “brands” like red hot steel burning an identity into the hide of a steer. Forgive us, Jesus.
Lastly, Jesus, and most importantly, your name is the name we love to hear more than any other. Your name isn’t just the assembly of 5 letters; it is the bottomless ocean of truth, goodness, and beauty—the name above every name to which we are destined to bow, and in which we now greatly delight. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.
