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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 1, 2006 The Name of Jesus |
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FRONTLINE DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2005 by Fritz Foltz
I came to understand the power of names several years ago when teaching evangelism skills throughout our synod. Somewhere in the classes we engaged in a role playing event where I was the new comer and the class together was the Church member. This resulted in a shotgun presentation with people hurling remarks at me fast and furious. The comments came so quickly they were confusing jibber. However, I would automatically turn to anyone who said my name while addressing me.
Even after I realized what was happening, I could not control myself. At the mention of my name, I paid attention to what was being said and blocked out every other comment. I soon included this observation in my presentations, but even when paying conscious attention I could not control my reaction. I would immediately respond to anyone who used my name.
This has helped me comprehend why the Bible speaks about the power of names and why people take such care in naming their children. Names identify us and come to stand for who we are. We can hurt people by the way we use their names. So we are not to use the name of our God in vain. And we are not to speak anyone’s name in an abusive manner.
Luke says the naming of Jesus was very important. If I remember my Bible classes, “Jesus” means “God saves” and that seems very appropriate. Everything about Jesus conveyed God’s salvation.
His name has remained important as we pray in Jesus’ name, hoping that mentioning the name will draw God attention. Perhaps we even think using his name will make God turn automatically to us, enabling him to hear our words amid the cacophony of words arising from our world.
On this New Year’s Day let us resolve to use names with respect and care. Let us treat names as we would treat the person named.
Let us pray: Grant us the sensitivity, loving Father, always to use the names of the people around us with loving care that our words might add respect to all life. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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