The Name of Jesus

Every parent takes time to contemplate what to name their child. This is usually a big deal! 

     I was reminded in my reading today that neither Mary nor Joseph got to name Jesus. This was God’s Son, so God, Himself, named Jesus. In the first Book of Matthew, God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream saying, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife for that which is conceived on her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.”

     Jesus is a special name, meaning Savior. I looked up other names used to refer to Jesus. Christ from the Greek word means anointed one. Messiah from Hebrew means anointed one or chosen one. Immanuel from Hebrew means God with us. 

     I could describe Jesus from A to Z, among them; Wonderful, Counselor, Lord, Teacher, etc. but my point is that Jesus’s name is special. His name is to be revered, respected, and honored and never used in any other way. 

     Jesus is my Savior and He was named by God to save me from my sins!

 

 

Make Their Day!

     We have all been there!  At one time or another, whether in the workplace, school, or neighborhood, there is someone who doesn't like what or how we are performing.  No matter how much we care about what others think, we will not always be liked.  Sometimes, it is only because others are jealous or simply wanting their own self-gratification.  They may even feel inferior and want to bring a person down because they are more successful.  Whatever the reason, our reaction is what weakens us or makes us stronger.
     You know, even Jesus was rejected in His ministry.  Most of all in His own hometown.  In Luke 4:22 we find that those who rejected him thought of him only as a poor carpenter's son.  How could He be the Messiah?  "Yet they said, 'Isn't this Joseph's son?' "   In the face of this rejection, what did Jesus do?  He pressed on to fulfill His calling.
     So, when we feel rejected, what should we do?  I say, "Press On!"  Continue to do the job you think you are called to do with the best of your ability.   We live in a world of human nature.  Our very core is sinful.  Our instincts lean toward gossiping, self-centeredness, and self-gratification.  Therefore, how should we react toward those who knowingly or unknowingly try to pull us down?    Matthew 5:44 tells us the best way.  "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."  
     Consider options that go along with these words of wisdom.  Pray for them.  Speak kindly.  Be friendly.  Provide them a smile for the day.  They might just need it.  True, we might have to dig deep, but surely we can find a compliment to give a struggling, hostile or complacent soul.  Go ahead.  Make their day!
     I believe, by turning the tables, we also make our own day.  Our hearts will feel better by being merciful and kind.  Why?  It helps to remove guilt feelings, hostile attitudes, and inclinations toward resentful.   It heals our hurt.  Kindness surely makes a person feel better about themselves while pressing on to achieve their own goals.   Above all, remember, we have been promised our rewards by a loving, forgiving God:
   "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.  
     Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
     Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
     Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

    

The Damascus Road

There are all kinds of roads we can travel in life, but there is one road that leads us to Jesus.  Saul traveled a road of his own which, in the end, led him to Jesus. 

                The Damascus Road

What was there about the Damascus road:

A worn and dusty trail where a miracle was bestowed?
The Damascus road-Herein lies a story with a twist;
A road Saul couldn’t resist. 
Amid the ruts and the dust,
Rode a man Christians could not trust.
This vengeful, Saul, breathed murderous threats;
He wanted to kill and mangle, without regrets.
He was on a mission; this man with ambition.
Saul held evil and hatred in his heart,
Yet, the Damascus road was about to give him a brand new start.
The Damascus road, a road well-traveled;
One where a miracle occurred; a mystery unraveled!

What was there about the Damascus road;

A worn and dusty trail where a miracle was bestowed?
The Damascus road, dusty and dreary-
A road Saul chose to ride, though he was tired and weary.
This soldier in armor, whom Christians feared,
Fell to his knees when a mighty light appeared.
He heard a voice ring out with a mighty shout,
“Why Saul? Why do you persecute me?”
Saul looked about, but he could not see.
The Damascus road, a road well-traveled;
One where a miracle occurred; a mystery unraveled!

What was there about the Damascus road;

A worn and dusty trail where a miracle was bestowed?
The Damascus road, touched by the hand of God, 
Changed a heart wicked and flawed.
Saul, once confused and blinded,
Now filled with the Spirit became God-minded. 
No longer did he want to kill or spread ill-will.
This was a man on a mission; a man of ambition;
A man setting people on fire for the Messiah.
It was Jesus’ name he wanted to proclaim!
The Damascus road, a road well-traveled;
One where a miracle occurred; a mystery unraveled!
                                    Mary Crisp Jameson – 8/4/2014  

Acts 9:22  “Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.”