Revelation 2:17
This last week, I was listening to a preacher talk about how it is a good idea to learn about the culture from the Bible because things that happened in the Bible would then make more sense. I then recalled a couple of things I had learned before about Biblical culture. In Revelation, God says that to those who overcome, he will give a white stone. In that day, stones were used to make known decisions. For example, if I was accused of a crime and went to court, a black stone would mean guilty, and a white stone would mean I had been acquitted. So by God saying He will give us a white stone, he's saying that He will declare us innocent.
The other part of God's statement here is a new name written on the stone. In today's American culture, names aren't as significant as they were in the Bible and in other cultures around the world. If I don't like my name, I just go to court and change it. When Jesus was on earth, names had special meanings that might have to do with some event that happened when you were born, or something going on in your family when you were born. Names also had additional meaning. Each person carried their family name. I carry the name Meyers, but that doesn't tell you a whole lot about who I am. When you read through the Bible, you'll see that lineage is very important. Jesus was not just Jesus, but Jesus, son of Joseph and this carried a lot of responsibility. A persons actions not only affected himself but the also the reputation of the family. If your Grandparents had a poor reputation, you would carry that wherever you went. So by God saying He's going to give us a new name, He's not just saying a change from Jeff to John, but a change in reputation. God will transform us so that we are no longer known by our sins and failures but by the name of Jesus who is holy and righteous.
"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet,
till her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.
The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the LORD will bestow."
Isaiah 62:1-2
