READ: MATTHEW 1: 23-25
And Joseph named him Jesus. (V. 25)
Legendary Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski did a commercial for the US Army. Coack K called attention to the importance of your last name being attached to your service uniform. The uniform of your country identified you as a proud, loyal and dedicated member of your service branch. The addition of your last name added even more significance as you were also representing your family, and all it stood for, by your actions as a US soldier. Similarly, when I was a police officer, my name plate, emblazoned with my last name, was a prominent part of my daily uniform. Quite frankly, while I tried to honor the uniform and my calling each day, I gave little thought to the significance of my name plate. It was just a way people could identify me. But in reality, my name plate bore the ingrained values of my family and it was incumbent upon me to honor them with the way I conducted myself every day. My badge, my uniform and my name plate placed the requirement for integrity-based conduct directly upon my shoulders. Not only was I entrusted with great authority, but also the responsibility to carry out my duties in a manner that reflected the trust placed in me by the department, the community, my family and yes, Jesus!
Jesus, the name above all names, was given to him at birth. The name has dual meanings— “God Saves” or “The Lord is Salvation.” Jesus’ name directly identified his mission here on earth with brevity and certainty. Everything he did during the course of his life was done in conjunction with the will of his Father. He flawlessly carried out his earthly mission by teaching, modeling, suffering, dying, and rising so that we might all be saved from sin and become children of God. Jesus did not need a name plate to remind himself of who he was nor to identify himself to those he encountered. He was instantly recognized. He spoke the truth and his actions were always congruent with being the Son of God. No matter where you go in the world today, the name of Jesus brings instant recognition and respect. Leading a Jesus-centered life requires each of us to boldly identify with him as displayed by our actions, trust and obedience.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Your name, given to you at birth, is a coveted personal identifier. It defines you as a unique individual within a family united by love and shared values. Acknowledging Jesus as your Lord and Savior brings you into the family of God where you are bonded together by His love, mercy, grace, and salvation. Serving as a Christian representative requires your best every hour of every day! No artist would ever sign a sub-standard piece of work. To what body of work are you willing to sing your precious name?
Dear Jesus, help me consistently strive to be worthy of my name and you’re calling.