Names

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer about the Names by Which We Live

     He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes 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. Rev. 2:17

Dear Lord Jesus, who’d have thought that a quick run to Publix would result in a painful study in “naming”? I’m sure that little boy who was straining for his favorite box of cereal has another name than “So-much-trouble” and “Such-a-bother.” I hope the husband who shared the paper goods aisle with me calls his wife other things—more endearing things than “Slow,” “Indecisive,” and “Wasteful.” Naming is such an important part of life. We rise or shrink by the names we are given, and we harm or heal by the names we give.

Jesus, only you have the name that is above every name. Your name charms our fears and bids our sorrows cease. It’s music and life, health and peace to us. By your name, and everything your name signifies, we’re forgiven and declared righteous; we’re being set free from every bondage and fitted for service in the your kingdom. How powerful and precious your name is to us. And it’s at your name, Jesus, one Day we’ll gladly bow our knees with everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth—declaring you are Lord, to the glory of God our Father (Phil. 2:9-11). On for the appearing of that glorious day!

Jesus, your name is Overcomer. It’s only because you overcame sin and death for us that we dare call ourselves “overcomer.” Your name is Our Righteousness. It’s only because you lived in our place and died in our place that we’ll feast on the “hidden manna” of eternity.

Your name is Redeemer. It’s only because you’re renewing and renaming us in the gospel that we’re finding freedom from every demeaning and damaging name we’ve ever received, or given ourselves. Your name is Healer. It’s only because of your patience and kindness with us that we’re learning to be far more careful how we label and name others. Forgive us for the harm we bring, even to members of our own families.

Whether or not there’s literally a new name you’ll give us in heaven, we don’t know. But that today you look at us and call us “my beloved bride,” that’s enough for now and eternity. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and matchless name.