Most of us have worn a name tag from time to time. They’re helpful when we don’t know people – and also when we do but we can’t remember their names! We also need them for identification, like when we’re at a conference and looking for someone in charge or for help. We all respond better to others when they use our names, and it’s been proven that people respond more favourably to us when we use theirs. 

Names have power. Frederick Buechner observed this about that power: ‘When I tell you my name, I have given you a hold over me that you didn’t have before. If you call it out, I stop, look, and listen – whether I want to or not.’ But using names also empowers people by recognising their worth as a human being. When we say ‘hey, you’ or call someone ‘what’s your name’ we are saying we don’t think enough of you to take the time to find out or remember who you are.

We don’t need name tags with God. We forget others’ names, but God never forgets ours and he even calls us by name. In an encouraging section of Isaiah, God tells Jacob something that we can all hold on to. ‘But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine”’ (Isaiah 43:1, ESV). When God calls us by name, he does so with love and affection. 

Revelation 2:17 tells us that one day, he will give us all new names. One theory I read about (gotquestions.org) said our names won’t be changed, rather the white stone mentioned here signifies acceptance and identity and the name of Jesus will be inscribed on it. His name on the stone refers to the work of the Holy Spirit conforming us to Christ and the intimate relationship we have with him. What a special blessing and privilege to carry the name of Jesus for all eternity!

First published on 5 November 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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