Pronouncing the New Name

Hello my friend, and welcome to the final day of this journey together.

To this day, people mispronounce my last name all the time. The most popular mispronunciation is “FISH-BROOK,” which makes perfect sense because of where you find fish, but it’s still wrong.

Last week, someone called me Pastor Fishbone, and I have lost track of the number of people who have tried to turn my last name into something spiritual—“Well, you are a fisher of men who preaches from the good book!” I appreciate the effort, but it’s a stretch!

Years ago, at a youth workers convention, I heard the band Lost and Found for the first time. As part of their set, the lead singer told a strange little story that changed my life forever. He said that he was looking forward to the day when he would get married and have kids. He said he would name his son Tim but that his name would be spelled S-T-E-V-E. People would come to his son and say, “Hi, Steve.” His son would reply, “Actually, it’s TIM.” The people would laugh and say, “Yeah but it says right here S-T-E-V-E!” His son would reply, “I know it’s spelled that way but it’s pronounced TIM.”

At this point of the story, I was completely confused until the lead singer said this, “The world says my name is liar, cheat, fraud, thief, and law-breaker. BUT because of Jesus, I would appreciate it if you pronounced it properly… Jesus has named me MY CHILD, DEARLY LOVED, WORTH DYING FOR, and ADOPTED KID OF THE KING.”

This new pronunciation is not just a change in words; it’s a fundamental shift in our reality. It’s about recognizing that through Christ’s sacrifice, our past no longer defines our future.

We are redeemed, forgiven, and given a new standing before God. This is the ultimate name change, the one that truly matters.

One more time, reflect on the names the world has tried to label you with. Acknowledge the hurt and negativity they may carry.

Then, consciously choose to pronounce your true name, the one given to you by God. Embrace the reality of being his beloved child, someone of immense worth, and a member of his eternal kingdom. Let this truth shape how you see yourself and how you interact with the world. As you go forward, live in the fullness of this divine identity, allowing it to guide your actions and define your purpose.

Listen to these amazing words about Jacob, taken from the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:

‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.’”(Isaiah 43:1-3a, NIV)

My friend, Jesus said these words to Jacob and He also declares them over you!

Let’s pray together.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the ultimate name change you have made possible through your sacrifice. Thank you for rewriting the labels the world has placed on us and for declaring us as your dearly loved child. Help us to live in the power of this new identity, to walk in the confidence of your love, and to reflect your light to those around us. May our lives be a testament to the transforming power of your grace. Thank you for our new names. Amen.

Never forget my friend… You are a miracle!

Your friend,