Revelation 2:17 - Nicknamed by God

What things are worth writing in stone?

In the Bible, God sometimes renamed a person to identify their truest character, or as a reminder of a promise He made to them.

Abram ("exalted father") was renamed Abraham ("father of a multitude" - Genesis 17:5) because his progeny was promised to become several different nations, including the Jews.

Jacob ("he clutches the heel" - Genesis 25:26) was so-called because his twin brother Esau was born first, and then he came out--clutching Esau's heel! He grabbed at many things in life and even tried wrestling with God Himself. God renamed him Israel at that point ("He strives with God" or "God strives" - Genesis 32:28) because God would have the last word by fighting and wrestling on Israel's behalf.

The apostle Simon had a common name meaning "listen" or "hearing." Sometimes he wavered in his faith. But Jesus renamed him Peter ("rock" - John 1:42; Matthew 16:18) because the church would be built on his confession of faith: that Jesus was the promised Messiah

A new name is not limited to just a few, famous people. In Revelation, God offers a new name to those who are victorious through the blood of Christ:
“To everyone who is victorious ... I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.” (Revelation 2:17, New Living Translation. See Revelation 12:11)

The last time I remember God writing something in stone was when he gave Moses the Ten Commandments on two stone tablets. So this name must be pretty important. Close family members and intimate friends may have special names for each other. What's it like to have a nickname given by God Himself?

This "new name" is permanent, one that God will call us for eternity.
“All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.” (Revelation 3:5, NLT)

God, Give us grace to be victorious and overcome so that instead of finding our identity in the past, we find our identity in an eternal relationship with You. In the changeless name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.