We are defined in the name of God. Christ’s name is within our identity as Christians. It is up to you to live up to this name. Be astounded. Be open to seeing the majesty of God in the world around us, just as the people were astounded at Jesus performing miracles (Mark 7:24-37). First, we must open ourselves to seeing God’s majesty. We must hear God. We must see God. We must listen to God. Second, we glorify God because of this majesty, and because we need to make sure for our own sakes that we do not glorify anything else to seem higher or more important than God. Finally, we represent the magnificent God that we are glorifying by taking the faith that we have gained from seeing God, and using it to inspire faith in others – most often those who have never felt the love of God or who never feel like they will feel the love of God again. We were made to glorify God, not only in private, but through our own works and our own actions serving our neighbor and doing our best to bring more into the peaceful, enfolding, and joyful love of God. The joy of being a Christian is seeing God’s majesty all around us, through renewed hearts, new-found devotion, and hope in the middle of defeat! Wherever you are today, and wherever you are this week, challenge yourself to these three steps. Your name means something. See it. Believe it. Make it. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Scripture Readings:
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
22:2 The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD is the maker of them all.
22:8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail.
22:9 Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.
22:22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate;
22:23 for the LORD pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.
James 2, Mark 7:24-37
