I had been having a friendly conversation with the visitor sitting next to me in church after our Sunday morning service. However, he was now staring at me with a puzzled expression on his face. He had just asked me what my name was, and in response to my answer, he seemed truly bewildered. “That’s not a Mennonite name,” he stated. 

The Christian Anabaptist faith originated in Holland early in the 16th century and spread rapidly throughout portions of western Europe. Since Dutch, German, and Swiss surnames predominate among the Canadian and American descendants of the original converts to this faith, well intentioned curiosity is often generated when meeting those of an entirely different national heritage. 

I have actually gotten used to such a response since I have repeatedly heard it over the past thirty-five years. It no longer bothers me like it used to, so I just smile and say, “It is now.” 

But what’s in a name and how important is it in God’s sight? The Bible states that “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1), and “To him that overcometh will I give . . . a new name” (Revelation 2:17). 

Each of us has a reputation that is associated with our name, and the new name our Lord desires for us identifies us with Him. The beauty of the Gospel is that this is open to all mankind, regardless of race, color, nationality—or surname. We can be confident that there are all sorts of names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. But the most important thing is that yours and mine are there too. 

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness . . . and thou shalt be called by a new name. Isaiah 62:2 

~ Pete Lewis