My White Stone Name

We were on our way home from Colorado this past Monday evening and stayed overnight in Amarillo, TX. As is my necessary custom, I was walking our little dog 'Wee-Z' before retiring. Suddenly I saw what looked like a quarter on the ground, sparkling and inviting. I bent down to pick up the coin only to discover that it was a token for a car wash and had "of no cash value" written on it. I kept it nevertheless. It is hidden in the pocket of my parka, now hanging in my closet because we're back in Texas where the weather is in the sixties. But I shall wear the coat again when required.

This reminds me of a Bible verse. Revelation 2:17 reads:

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

My unused token brings to mind that white stone with a new name written on it. I received such a new name when I was baptized into Christ, now over 77 years ago. And yet the Word says this name is known only to the one who receives it.

Romeo says to Juliet in Act II, Scene II of Shakespeare's well-known play:

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose would by any other name smell as sweet."

What indeed. There was a long time when I struggled with the name I received both on the day I was born and later when I was baptized. For many years I thought I remembered my mother saying I was named after my father and both of my grandfathers, Henry and Stephen. I later looked anew at my birth and baptism certificates to discover that Grandpa Stephen's name was not recorded. Did my mother forget? I know not. All I know is that in my childhood I proudly announced that I had three given or baptismal names instead of the usual two.

There have been so many explanations for this mysterious Bible verse. Among the best I've discovered to date is A New Name Written Down in Glory by Sam Storms. Sam concludes,

To sum up, there is an identity you have in God, reflected in your new name, that transcends whatever shame or regret or disappointment is wrapped up in who you are now. There is a very private and personal place of intimacy with him that brings hope and freedom and joy that none can touch or taint or steal away. Paul said it best when he declared that “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3b). Peter echoed much the same thing in saying that we have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven” for us (1 Peter 1:4).

I tend to think that I shall forever have my baptismal name 'Alvin Henry', because it was spoken upon me on the day Jesus forever claimed me as His own and took me with into His death and resurrection (Romans 6:1-14). What only I know in the depths of my heart is that Jesus has claimed me as His very own brother, a member of His family. I can now confidently pray to His Father and mine, saying 'Abba' or Papa and know with certainty that my Papa hears my prayers and answers them (Luke 11:1-11).

By the way, 'Wee-Z' is not just a name I happened to give to our little Pekapoo. His full and hidden name is Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). But like Zacchaeus, he's a wee little 'man' of only ten pounds. So we named him Wee-Z. I trust that he too will be restored to be with us in eternity. At least that is my prayer.