by Dr. Heather Roberts
In the early spring, when it produces its seeds that look like cotton, it is commonly called a cottonwood tree. Later, when the leaves mature, it’s called the Quaking Aspen because even in the mildest breeze the leaf quakes. The flat shape of its stalk that attaches to the leaf allows for the extraordinary pivot that creates the quaking movement. Then in the fall its leaves turn to gold.
What if our names changed according to the season that we were in?
What if the love from our Creator was so fickle that in our maturing states we were called—useless? In our vulnerable painful seasons, we were called—broken. Then only when we were “perfect” would we be called—golden. This isn’t how He works. He doesn’t change our name according to our behavior.
“In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,” (Eph. 1:13, ESV).
What does we are sealed mean? A seal is an identifying mark that is generally placed on a letter/contract/ document to verify who possesses the letter. When we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, it verifies who we belong to, Jesus Christ. Because we are owned by Him—thank goodness, He gets to name us.
We are now named: righteous, redeemed, beloved, cherished, a delight, a new-creation, a daughter or son of God. Our new name does not change according to the season that we find ourselves in.
If this is not exciting enough, the Lord prompted me to search scripture for when He gives us a new name in heaven. How fascinating. Each person receives a new name. How provocative to think of this moment and how sweet it must be in the receiving. It leaves me wondering what is my new name?
“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.’” (Rev. 2:17, ESV)
“The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” (Rev. 3:12, ESV).
How amazing that God writes on us His new name. Not only do we receive what He would name us, but He labels us with His new name. What a privilege, and my tiny mind cannot fully comprehend what the fullness of this means for me. The safety, security and blessing and favor are staggering. That He would write His name on us. God chooses us and not the angels or any other created being. We who have chosen Christ and held steadfast in persecution will receive His name on us.
What do you call yourself in your quiet moments when your heart is still? Do you label yourself your failures? Or do you proclaim what God has named you?
Prayer for you and me: Lord Jesus, thank You for constantly teaching us. Thank You that You sealed us with Your name that all of creation knows who we belong to. What a precious gift. Remind us who we are and who we belong to when we forget. Thank You for Your tender mercies. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dr. Heather Roberts is a writer who shares encouraging insights she receives from the Lord. She has been blessed to write for Focus on the Family, Guideposts, Christian Devotions, Grace Publishing, Prayer Connect, The Secret Place, Unlocked, Cross River Media, and more.
Heather is a mother of four, wife to a wonderful husband, and works as a pediatric occupational therapist. www.heatherroberts.com
© 2024; Heather Roberts; all rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com