I was listening to a cover version of a Bob Dylan song from the soundtrack of his film "masked and anonymous" that was sung by Shirley Caesar and called "Gotta serve somebody ". She added a line to the lyrics "you may call me Molly, but my name is Shirley and since God gave me another name, I know I've been born again."
The idea comes from the book of the Revelation:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’ Revelation 2:17
Now, I didn't receive any white stone with a name on it when I was born again, but many years later, I believed that the Lord spoke to me and gave me a new name that I'm not supposed to share with anyone. This set me thinking first about the Apostle Paul who had been Saul of Tarsus. Who changed His name?
And then I thought of Peter who had been called Simon. Jewish Tradition even gives Solomon multiple names including Lemuel. I've never really understood the point of a new name unless it represents being a new creation.
I'm just wondering how common this experience is. Did God give you another name?
I'm not asking anyone to share their "new name", I'd just like to know if you've had the experience of receiving a new name. As a Catholic we chose another name for ourselves when confirmed, but I mean did God give you another name? Yes or no will do, but if you have a different understanding of the verse, I'd be interested in hearing it.
The idea comes from the book of the Revelation:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’ Revelation 2:17
Now, I didn't receive any white stone with a name on it when I was born again, but many years later, I believed that the Lord spoke to me and gave me a new name that I'm not supposed to share with anyone. This set me thinking first about the Apostle Paul who had been Saul of Tarsus. Who changed His name?
And then I thought of Peter who had been called Simon. Jewish Tradition even gives Solomon multiple names including Lemuel. I've never really understood the point of a new name unless it represents being a new creation.
I'm just wondering how common this experience is. Did God give you another name?
I'm not asking anyone to share their "new name", I'd just like to know if you've had the experience of receiving a new name. As a Catholic we chose another name for ourselves when confirmed, but I mean did God give you another name? Yes or no will do, but if you have a different understanding of the verse, I'd be interested in hearing it.