Given New Names
Isaiah 62:2b-3 And you will be given a new name by the Lord’s own mouth. The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see — a splendid crown in the hand of God.
Technology experts say that if you clean out your email junk folders regularly, the amount of junk received over time will decrease. I like the idea of receiving less useless, distracting information. Junk mail seems to often be trying to sell something we don’t need for issues and problems we don’t have. I like the idea of having more time to focus on emails that are important, sharing information that is helpful and needed.
The people of God addressed by Isaiah in the scripture above are not only receiving junk messages about themselves from their captors and oppressors (the Assyrians); they feel forgotten by God. But God won’t let that stand. God promises to return to the people. And the prophet Isaiah declares it again and again until God acts and the people see their vindication. No more will junk messages and junk names define the people God loves. They are God’s chosen people, held in His hand for all to see.
God comes to us with good news and with promises of blessing and redemption. God empties the words and power of oppression and gives us a new name - beloved, children of God.
Good and gracious God, speak into our hearts today. May we hear Your names for us; Beloved, Redeemed, Precious. Amen.