At Christmas time we look for the label and the name on the gift. We are looking for something special just for us. Our name is special; we like to be called by our name. Our name is personal, it means something, and belongs to us. We may hear it used different ways – in love, in anger or a myriad ways in between.
The Bible has a lot to say about names. There are lots of genealogies because names matter. It provides history and lineage. Through history, names often signified what you did for a living, but we are not governed by that today.
Luke 2:21-35 ‘… the baby… was named Jesus…’ verse 21. Simeon recognized the baby as the special gift. “I’ve seen your salvation.” Simeon had encountered the Holy Spirit. He had been told by the Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the messiah. The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the temple. Luke 2:25-32.
The Spirit will lead us if we allow Him; He may be specific or general. We must be willing to follow and wait even if we don’t know what will happen.
The Point: Your name and what you are known for matters a lot!
The name of Jesus/Yeshua matters a lot. It means ‘to deliver or rescue’. Jesus told Zacchaeus “Today salvation has come to this house.” Luke 19:9-10.
Jesus’ purpose is to bring/give salvation. To bring deliverance and hope.
Each of us has been given a purpose by God. We have been given Salvation/Jesus so we can live our life for a purpose – to fullness. John 10:10.
What spiritual harvest are you yielding? Jesus is the gift from God to You. That is the gift label.
There are some places we don’t want our name like an IRS audit list or a traffic ticket. But we do want our name written in the Book of Life which is the list of those who have been savesd. You would like there to be something good written with your name. “All were judged by the works they had done…” Revelation 20:12-15.
Don’t you want your name written with good things you did: people you helped, people you impacted, and things that matter? Your name will be known for something or many somethings.
Whatever time we have left, we get to decide if our name is written in The Book of Life and what we will be known for.
What you do, what you produce in spiritual fruit, matters.
What will your name be known for?
I had a couple of song choices this morning and chose this one: His Name Shall Be.
Verses for Today:Luke 2:29-32 NIV
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Lord, forgive me for the many times I failed to produce spiritual fruit and help me to be more productive for You and Your Kingdom.
