January 2, 2001
"... you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow."
When I read this it immediately made me think of when someone gives you a nickname or uses a term of endearment. It indicates a specialness, love and a sometimes a playfulness in the relationship that requires a level of security. Its neat to think that God thinks this way about his people!!!
Of course I did the commentary check and I was way off base according to the "experts". It has more to do with the remnant coming out of captivity and that there was a lot of derision (not quite the word I'm looking for) in being the mighty Israelite nation - their recent history is one of poverty & oppression. But now God would call them by a new name; one that would give them hope and vision to lift their sights from where they had been.. that reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you..."