The New Name

 Isaiah 62:2 The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.
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Luke 24:47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
 
THE Bible often speaks of a name’s importance. In Jacob’s story from Genesis, for example, each of his 12 sons was named with particular meaning. Also, in his early life “Jacob” meant “deceiver”, and that marked his character. But then God gave him a new name: Genesis 32:28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.”  The new name was a sign of Jacob’s new life under God’s covenant promise to save the world. In that promise, the Father sent his Son to overcome sin. “Jesus” means “savior”: Luke 1:31b “you are to give him the name Jesus.” It is important to note that as fathers normally named their sons, God, the Father, named Israel and Jesus to direct our words to his salvation.
          Isaiah says there will be a new name for Jerusalem. Why would that be? Jerusalem was named to be the city of peace. Is there something more? Look in Isaiah 62:4 No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah (“My delight is in her.”) and your land Beulah (Married one); for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married.
          Jerusalem was seen as weak and desolate for many centuries before Jesus came. The city named for peace had no peace. Even today “Jerusalem” causes us to think of conflict. Walls separate people and religions. Divisive theologies, idol worship and false teaching cause spiritual conflict in Jerusalem today. God, though, will redeem the name of Jerusalem. As forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, one day the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, (will come) down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. (Revelation 21:2-3)  Through Isaiah, Jesus and John, God promises the very character of Jerusalem and of the world will completely reflect God’s righteousness.
          What’s your name? As we are named “Christian” be aware of who you are. “Christian” says, “I am of Christ.” Be alert to know you are intimately related to Jesus. Display who he is.
 
Prayer: Thank you, God Almighty for giving me a new name in your salvation. I pray I honor who I am in you. Amen.