What's In A Name?

When God names something, there is an assignment attached to it. Names are not something He takes lightly. Names given in the Bible were significant. Many times, God instructed parents to name their child a specific name. With the name comes a task, as well as the authority, power and resources to complete the assignment. When God names you, He assigns you to something and gives you everything you need to complete it!

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17

A new name. A new assignment. New authority and resources. As an overcomer, one who has proven faithful to the Lord in one area, He will give a new name, and a new assignment comes along with that name.

Some common biblical examples include:

• God changed Abram's name to Abraham, which means father of a multitude, because he would be a father of many nations (Genesis 17:5). 
• God changed Sarai's name to Sarah, which means princess, increasing her authority. (Genesis 17:15). 
• God told Hagar to name her son Ishmael, which means God hears, because He had given heed to her affliction (Genesis 16:11-12) 
• God changed Jacob's name to Israel, which means strive, because He had striven with God and man and prevailed. It means to persevere, to struggle or fight hard to achieve something. (Genesis 32:28) 
• God told David his son's name would be Solomon, which means peaceful, because He would give Israel peace and quietness during his reign. (1 Chronicles 22:9). 
• Jesus called Simon, Peter, which means stone, because He would build His church upon a large rock. (John 1:42, Matthew 16:18).

The greatest example of an assignment attached to a name is Jesus. The angel instructed Joseph to name the baby in Mary's womb Jesus, which means Yahweh saves. Why? Because He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:20-22). He had an assignment of Savior.

In Revelation 19:16 we read that Jesus has a name written on His thigh. The name is King of kings and Lord of Lords. The Greek word for name in this verse is onoma which means, "a name, authority, cause."* With the name comes the purpose, the assignment, and the authority to carry out something specific. In Philippians 2:9 we read that God has given Jesus the name (onoma) which is above every name (onoma). Jesus has the assignment and the authority which is above every assignment and authority! But there's more...

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; 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 out of heaven from My God, and My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3:12-13

As overcomers who remain faithful to the Lord to the end, our assignment is His assignment--His God, His city, even His name. Our identity and purpose is found in Him! As the bride takes the name of the groom, we take His name to continue His assignment here in the earth. This is why He said to His disciples:

These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name (onoma) they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:17-18 (parenthesis added).

Before ascending into heaven after rising from the dead, Jesus said that all authority has been given to Him in heaven and in earth. Then He says "Go therefore..." (Matthew 28:18-19) Now it's your turn!


*References BibleHub.com, Strongs Concordance, retrieved 11/20/2016