Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). – (John 1:40-42)
There are several remarkable occurrences in this short passage of scripture. First, Andrew, after only hearing what John the Baptist had said, and then meeting Jesus, he immediately believed and felt compelled to act on his belief. He wanted to not only follow Christ, but he wanted to be sure to share the good news with his brother as well. Second, Simon trusted his brother enough to listen to what he had to say, and chose to follow him to where Jesus was staying. When Simon met Jesus face-to-face, Jesus saw Simon not only for who he was, but for who he would become. The name Peter, in Greek, means “a rock“.
When we encounter Jesus, He sees us the same way. Christ knows who we are today, but He also knows what we will become. Each one of us has a new name from the moment we are saved. He calls us confident, joyful, overcoming ones, faithful, friends of God, and ones who seek His face. He counts us as His children, and we are adopted into His holy family forever.
No matter our name,
or state when we come;
Lord Jesus, He hears,
and all are welcome.
He loves us right now,
wherever we are;
and knows what’s ahead,
our bright Morning Star.
He takes what’s been crushed,
and grants us His strength;
joy for our sorrow,
He’ll go to great lengths.
He calls us His friends,
despite what we’ve done;
He forgives, makes new,
the battles, He’s won.
Let go of the things,
that will hold us back;
surrender it all,
and nothing we’ll lack.
For in Him, all things,
we have all we need;
an eternal hope,
from our past, we’re freed.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love and accept us as we are, yet You see where we are going and all that we can become. Thank You that You give us a new name in You. Thank You that You bring beauty from our ashes, and hope from our despair. Thank You that You utilize the things that we once thought were the most ugly or broken, to help others for Your glory. Forgive us for allowing the old names to have a voice, and help us to silence the lies and allow Your voice to be heard. May our hearts hold fast to what You call us – confident, overcoming ones – Your children. Let us live and love as such, and may many be led unto You as a result. Be glorified as we walk boldly in the new names that You call us. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11
To watch a lovely visual to an old favorite, I Will Change Your Name, click the highlighted song title in green.
Revelations In Writing 