There are those that go to great extent to have their names changed. Indeed, a name is important; it identifies who we are. Unknowingly, who we are defines what we do. Thus, in a consumer-driven market, brands are given much attention. The good associated with the brand determines its longevity. A name may either break or make. Thus, much resource is poured into maintaining the brand name through marketing efforts—favorite celebrities are lured and contracted to champion the brand.
Called. It is humbling to note that God himself handpicks his people; even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,1 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”2 I, even I, have spoken and called him; I have brought him, and he will prosper in his way.3
Named. But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”4 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.5 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers 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.6
For his glory. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; . . .7 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.8 . . . “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. . . .”9 Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”10
I love the LORD because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.11 “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served . . . . choose this day whom you will serve, . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”12
Notes:
1. Ephesians 1:4-5
2. Jeremiah 1:5
3. Isaiah 48:15
4. Isaiah 43:1
5. 2 Corinthians 5:17
6. Revelations 2:17
7. 1 Peter 2:9-10
8. John 15:16
9. Isaiah 48:17
10. Jeremiah 1:9-10
11. Psalm 116:1-2
12. Joshua 24:14-15
