Name Change

John 1:40-42  One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.  He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ).  And he brought him to Jesus.  Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon, the son of Jonah.  You shall be called Aphas," (which is tranlsated, a stone).

Father, I can not imagine what it is like to have you directly change a person's name.  To be known by others with the name your family and friends have called you since birth, the name associated with all you have done up to that point, ~ to have it changed permanently, to something You chose intentionally, filled with meaning, purpose, and deliberate attention on the one who would get it ~ is incomprehensible.  Help us to concentrate on what You call us, whether we are aware of it or not.  Help us become the personification of our God given names ~ redeemed, saved, loved, accepted, worthy.  Amen