2007-05-18 - Namesakes

Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV) A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

I recently read a story about a man named Jesus. This young man wasn't a carpenter who was "....born of the Virgin Mary" (Apostles' Creed) or who gave His life that we might live eternally. There would be no cases of "mistaken identity" here. This Jesus was the leader of a viscious gang, who devotes his life to drugs, greed and violence. Talk about not living up to your name! What potential was wasted!

And though few of us have the actual legal name of Jesus, we do all bear His name, His imprint, as His children. It has been said that we should be "little Christs" in the world. (If anyone knows the author of that phrase, please let me know, so I can give full credit. As Paul informs us in Romans 8:29 (Amplified Bible):

For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.

How well do we live up to our "family name?" I know that I blow it every day. Do we look like we are molded into His image when someone cuts us off in traffic, when a relative or someone at work frustrates us, when someone treats us unfairly, when we are spending our money, or choosing a movie to enjoy?

Point to ponder: If you were renamed, to reflect your character and normal behavior, what would your name be?

Dear Father, please help us to bear your Son's image to the world. In His name we pray, amen.

Jan

cfdevjan@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org