Jeremiah 15:16– Your words were found, and I ate them; and your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord God of hosts. (RSV)
People call me names. I am Brenda, wife, mother, friend, speaker, writer and more. Each name says something about me. For instance, the coffee store clerks who have been preparing my weekly bagel treat for a long time now, call me “Cutinfour!” After I give my order, they smile and ask, “Cut in four?” The fact that they remember my little idiosyncrasy touches my heart. They make me feel special. In some small way, I am not just part of the crowd.
God has names for me too. I am saint, Child of God, beloved. The world calls me Christian. That name carries certain expectations.
The world watches as Christians speed, abandon shopping carts, litter sidewalks, argue and whine. They make note and say “If that’s a Christian, I sure don’t want to be one.”
Or the world watches as we obey traffic laws, return carts, pick up after ourselves and pursue peace. They make note and say, “If that’s a Christian, I want to have what they have. Jesus.”
Prayer: Dear Father, thanks for giving us your name. Remind your little Christians how to daily live in the small areas of life so that the world takes us seriously in the larger ones. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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