A New Name

A New Name

I've just returned from an anniversary vacation in the Black Hills of South Dakota. My husband and I set up our camp in the shadow of the cliffs where the movie "Dances with Wolves" was filmed. The red and white limestone rose high above our heads reminding us of that defining moment in the movie: when Wind in his hair shouts from the top of the cliff that he is a true friend to Dances with wolves (Kevin Costner's character). So, of course, we had watch the movie again to enjoy the scenery and the poignant story set in a tumultuous time in history.

In the movie, John Dunbar was assigned to a post in the middle of Dakota territory all alone. Over the course of time, he meets the Sioux people and becomes friends with them. He eventually becomes a part of their community, taking on a Sioux name and living among them.

Because of his friendship with the Native people, he was considered a traitor and hunted down by the army. As he smoked his pipe in the buffalo tent of the tribe's chief, he expressed his concern for all of the people and for his own life. The Sioux chief replied, "The white man the soldiers are looking for no longer exists. Now there is only a Sioux named Dances With Wolves." He himself admitted that he never really knew who John Dunbar was, but after hearing his Sioux name called out over and over, he understood who he really was.

Revelation 2:17 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. I
will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to
him who receives it.

I wonder if it will be like that when we get to heaven. We are promised a new name and we belong to a new people (a unique kingdom). One day we will hear our names called out and we will recognize them because they will define us. I don't know what those names will sound like but here are a few ideas:

daughter of the king, beloved, child of God, pure, innocent, lovely...

You are no longer that person who used to live in sin. You are no longer that woman of guilt and shame. You are no longer named by your failures or past mistakes. You have a new name and God is hiding it on His heart until He meets with you face to face.

Just like John Dunbar, we have undergone a transformation and changed not only our names, but also our allegiance from one nation to another. We no longer belong to this world, but instead look forward to our eternal home while realizing we are just traveling through. We look forward to resting one day in our TRUE home.

I think God shouts out from the top of the cliffs, "Daughter of mine, I am your friend. I will always be your friend. Do you hear me?"


Questions for Reflection:

*What are some names that God gave to people in the Bible? If you have a study Bible, you can find out that names almost always have a meaning in Scripture.

*Does your name have any personal meaning? Use a search engine to find out the history of your name. It might surprise you.

*What do you think God might name you now that you have joined His people? Would He call you, "Sings My Praises," or "Shares My Joy" or perhaps "Shines my Light"?

Come visit me...