Seder 33 Sermon: New Names

 In the book of Genesis, both Abram (Gen 17) and Jacob (Gen 32, 35) receive new names from God.  In addition, Jacob (Gen 35:18) gives his youngest son Ben-Oni ("son of my sorrow") the new name Benjamin ("son of the right hand" or "son of the south").  

In a sermon at Church of the Messiah on Nov 21, 2020, Kyle Kettering traced the biblical "new name motif" further.  For example,

• Isaiah 62:1-4 prophesies a new name for Jerusalem.    
• The letter to the church at Pergamum (Rev 2:17) promises a new name to the overcomer.
• In the letter to the church at Philadelphia (Rev 3:12), Jesus speaks of "my own new name".

Since God knows us intimately (e.g. Is 43:1), he knows the appropriate new name for each person.