Prepare yourselves for something very judgy. When I was growing up, I always felt so bad for my grandmas. Why? Because their names were Zelma and Gertrude. I’m sure they were considered nice names, but I thought they were quite unusual. My Grandma Gertrude even kept her name long, not using anything easier like Trudy. And let’s face it, my Grandma Zelma was probably always the child at the end of the line.
I have been thinking of this because I read Revelation 2:17 recently where it says, “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” This is a letter written to the church in Pergamum, but many have seen it to be symbolic of different churches or the church at different eras. New names are mentioned again in Revelation 3:12, “ I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.” MY NEW NAME… EVEN BETTER! I know that this is also a letter to a church, but I can’t help but be hopeful that my grandmas have been gifted with a new Heavenly name.
Honestly, I’ve always thought my name here was rather plain. I thought it would be great to have an exciting different name. “Amy” means “beloved” and I am thankful to my parents for probably taking the time to think through that, but I still can’t wait to get to Heaven to possibly get a new name from “Him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands”. I’m not certain if these verses about a new name mean we all get an actual new and different name, or if maybe it means we get a new character that links us to Jesus for eternity? Whatever it may be, It is exciting.
What do you suppose Jesus will call us when we go home? I’m glad we will be called His! We are already known as “Christ”ians here on earth, but can you imagine hearing Christ calling us His? My Grandma Zelma and my Grandma Gertrude are already victorious. After thinking this through, I will not feel sorry for them at all anymore.
Glory to God!
Amy Thompson