138. God’s House and Name
Isaiah 56:5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
God gives a place in His house and an everlasting name to those who believe in the Son of God. The promise in this context is for those who join themselves to the Lord, that is, in New Testament terms, they believe in Jesus. The promise is for strangers and eunuchs (non-Jews) who do three things: keep the Sabbaths, choose the things that please God, and take hold of His covenant. This is Old Testament code for “believing in Jesus Christ.” Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath; the Father is well pleased with His Son; and, Jesus is the covenant with God for us. Taken together, it refers to the Gentile (and the Jew) who believes in Christ.
The promise is that God will give to us a place n His house. “In my Father’s house are many rooms, dwelling-places, or mansions.” God’s house is where He lives, where His presence rules, and house is another word for family. We believers are welcomed in the family and household of God. It’s a big family, but God is big. We are given a place as adopted children, sons of God, and brothers of Jesus (also married to Him). In the house of God we have a place even better than sons and daughters have. How intimate and close is this! Nothing on earth compares to the security, warmth, and care that a child experiences when he or she is hugged by a loving Mom and Dad and lovingly tucked in.
And God promises us a name. This new name is named after the Father God; we are in the family and are heirs of Almighty God. And this new name is everlasting; we will enjoy this name for eternity in the house of the Lord. Jesus promises a new name to the overcomer, a name no one knows except for him who receives it. Naming implies a more intimate relationship between two parties. Our eternal relationship with the Lord is the most intimate relationship we will ever know.