CALLED BY A NEW NAME

CALLED BY A NEW NAME


READ:
John 1:35-42


When Jesus looked at him,
He said, "...you shall be
called Cephas" (which is
translated, a Stone). -John 1:42


In the article "Lending by Naming," Mark Labberton wrote about the power of a name.  He said:  "I can still feel the impact of a musical friend who one day called me 'musical.'  No one had ever called me that.  I didn't really play an instrument.  I was no soloist.  Yet...I instantly felt known and loved....[He] noticed, validated, and appreciated something deeply true about me."


Perhaps this is what Simon felt when Jesus renamed him.  After Andrew was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, he immediately found his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus (John 12:41-42).  Jesus peered into his soul and validated and appreciated something deeply true about Simon.  Yes, Jesus saw the failure and impetuous nature that would get him into trouble. But more than that He saw the potential of Simon to become a leader in the church.  Jesus named him Cephas-Aramaic for Peter-a rock (John 1:42; see Matthew 16:18).


And so it is with us.  God sees our pride, anger, and lack of love for others, but He also knows who we are in Christ.  He calls us justified and reconciled (Romans 5:9-10); forgiven, holy, and beloved (Colossians 2:13; 3:12); chosen and faithful (Revelation 17:14).  Remember how God sees you and seek to let that define who you are. -Marvin Williams


I am so glad for the day that I came
Seeking relief for my soul;
Jesus the Savior gave me my new name;
Now by His grace I'm made whole. -Hess
***********************************
No one can steal your identity in Christ.


INSIGHT
After a 400-year silence, the Jews finally heard the voice of a prophet crying in the wilderness.  John the Baptist ignited Messianic hope, so much so that some thought John might himself be the Messiah (1:19-28).  John, however, proclaimed Jesus the Son of God at His baptism.  In addition, John pointed out that Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (v.29).  He fulfilled his mission as Messiah's forerunner.


Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace