When my wife was pregnant with our son, we did what most expectant parents do, we stressed over names. Like really stressed. You’d think we were naming the next king of England the way we agonized over every letter.
We wanted something strong. Something meaningful. Something that wouldn’t make other kids on the playground turn into miniature stand-up comedians. You ever try out a name just to say the initials out loud and realize you accidentally spelled something awful? Yeah, that happened a few times.
But honestly, that pressure we felt? It was because we knew how important a name is. A name sticks. A name means something. It's part of who you are. Sure, you can legally change it someday if you really want to. But most of us? We carry our name for life.
It’s our first introduction. It's what people call out when they need us. It’s on every form, every diploma, every coffee cup that might say “Androo” instead of Andrew because, well, baristas are creative.
But here’s where it gets real.
God has always been in the business of names—and changing them.
Look through scripture, and you’ll find some of the most significant moments in a person’s life came with a name change. Not because they needed a rebrand, but because they had a new identity.
Let me give you a few examples:
Abram → Abraham
Abram meant “exalted father,” but God changed his name to Abraham, “father of many.” This wasn’t just symbolic—it was a promise. A new name, a new covenant, a new future. (Genesis 17:5)
Sarai → Sarah
Her name went from “my princess” to just “princess.” But the significance wasn’t lost—she was being redefined as royalty in God’s divine plan. (Genesis 17:15)
Jacob → Israel
Jacob’s name literally meant “heel grabber” or “deceiver.” After wrestling with God, he gets a new name—Israel, which means “he struggles with God” or “God prevails.” A reminder that his past didn’t define his future. (Genesis 32:28)
Simon → Peter
Jesus looked at this outspoken, passionate fisherman and said, “You’re not just Simon anymore. You’re Peter, the rock.” And on that rock, Jesus built His church. (Matthew 16:18)
See the theme?
When God gives a new name, it’s because He’s giving a new identity.
And here’s where it hits home:
When we come to Jesus—when we surrender, when we say, “Okay Lord, my way isn’t working”—He gives us a new name too.
Maybe not literally. Maybe your driver’s license still says Andrew. But spiritually? Eternally? That old name? It’s gone.
I’m not Andrew the inconsistent, the arrogant, the chocolate-obsessed coffee addict who sometimes watches too many fail videos at night. I’m Andrew—washed by the blood of Jesus. A child of God. Redeemed. Set free.
That’s my name now.
Revelation 2:17 even hints at this beautiful idea:
"To the one who conquers… 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.”
A new name, given by Jesus Himself. Not earned. Not deserved. But gifted in grace.
So maybe you're carrying a name today that's not from God. Maybe it's Shame. Failure. Addict. Not enough.
But in Jesus? You get a new name. One that speaks life, purpose, and freedom.
And hey—I might take this a little further. I’m thinking of doing a deeper study and devotional on this through Ember Faith soon. So keep an eye on the site if this hit something in your heart.
Because the truth is… your name may be written in ink here, but in heaven? It’s written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. And that, my friend, is the name that matters most.
