Ba’Cho and Bama (Revelation 2:17)

His muscular arm gently held the woman close to his side. Their heads tilted toward one another as the worship leader sang a deeply reflective song extolling God’s love for us. As the song ended, the congregation turned to greet one another.

 

“Jake! Hi!” He extended his hand. As I shook it, he turned to face the woman and said, “This my wife, Sue.”

 

“Paul! Pleased to meet both of you!” They wore identical leather jackets and under their left lapels, two unfamiliar names.

 

“May I ask you both a question? What does Ba’Cho and Bama mean?”

 

Their eyes lit up and Sue flashed an endearing smile. “We belong to a motorcycle riding club, all made up of believers in Jesus Christ. When we joined the group, we were given a new name. I’m from Alabama…” as if on cue, a Southern twang emerged as she pronounced “..bama”. “My husband is part Navajo and his name means wolf in Navajo because he likes to hang back in the pack when we ride.”

 

“Cool!” I beamed.

 

“Yeah, but that’s not what’s important.” Jake pointed to the back of their jackets. “This is!” On the back of their jackets were identical embroideries proclaiming their membership in their Christian motorcycle riding club. Around the logo of the Cross and motorcycle, was the Bible verse from Romans.

 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…

Romans 1:16 (ESV)

 

“Amen brother!” I embraced both of them.

 

Throughout the Bible, God gave new names to many of His great saints when He revealed a new calling for their lives. Abram (meaning Great Father) became Abraham (Father of Many) when God called him to become the Patriarch of the Jews. Simon (to hear or listen) became Peter (rock) as Jesus confirmed that His Church would not be built upon small unstable stones, like the ones laying on the ground around them, but upon the solid rock of faith, that Peter and all followers of Jesus will possess. Saul (asked of God) became the great Apostle Paul (small or humble) when Jesus met him and he was converted on the road to Damascus.

 

…To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.

Revelation 2:17 (ESV)

 

If you have confessed and repented of your sins and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, your name is eternally recorded the the Book of Life. But God also promises us a new name, known only to Him, to all those who remain steadfast in their faith during times of persecution, reflecting our new character and identity in Jesus Christ.

 

Ba’Cho and Bama.

 

I enjoyed learning about the origins of their new names and their eagerness to share the Gospel with their fellow bikers. But even before I learned of their new names, I already knew their true identities- my brother and sister in Jesus Christ!

 

Amen!

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.