Do you have a nickname? According to the dictionary, this is a name added to or substituted for the proper name of a person, place, etc. It's usually used in affection, though it can also be for ridicule.

I've had many such names: Chuck (short for Charles), Chuckster (by those not really trying), Chuckles (only allowed for two), Judge (from past judicial work), Chief (for my Cherokee heritage), and, which I'm sure you could guess, Mister Incredible. My grandmother often called me Chucky Lucky, but we won't go there.

Many names categorize us. Others describe us. And some come with expectation. The Bible is filled with them. Eve - life-giver; Noah - rest; Abraham - father of many; Sarai - one who controls; Jacob - he deceives; Peter - (piece of a) rock; Immanuel - God with us.

There's often another purpose for such names. They create a connection that serves to acknowledge some kind of relationship. This may be among family, friends, or co-workers. Sometimes those on the receiving end may not realize they've been given a new name, but for the one doing the naming, a connection has been made.

I give people nicknames quite often for that very reason. Great, Maddy, PT, Amagoh, Butter, Kilowatt. At times I'll use lesser known ones they already have. Happy, Sunshine, Jojo Smiley, +12, Bandana. Some are easy to figure out--Mister Blister--and some require explanation--SWMBO...She Who Must Be Obeyed. But they all have to do with some kind of connection and relationship.

Yet there's a name that speaks of a very special connection. This name proclaims a deep relationship joined with an incredible sense of belonging.

While on the island of Patmos, John had an amazing vision in which the Holy Spirit said, To those who are victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give each of them a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. (Revelation 2:17)

Who are victorious, or as some translations have it, who have overcome? They are those who believe in Jesus---who receive Him as savior, follow Him as lord, and know Him as friend. Over what have they been victorious? They have overcome the ancient desire to follow their own path.

And look what He gives each of them---a white stone bearing a new name known only to the one who receives it. Wow! Do you see what this means?

It's your holy nickname! A personal "just between you and me" name. A name of strong connection that proclaims the deep relationship between you and God...one He gives for you to know that you belong to Him and are part of His family, that you are His child and He loves you.

There's something else here. You receive the white stone later at that special time, but the name was already written on it. Even now God knows your new name---your name of connection, relationship, and belonging that speaks not of who you were in the world, but who you are in Him.