As some of you know, I have an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) cat named Max. Science has proven that cats recognize their names. Although, for poor Max, we affectionately call him by many permutations of Max. The most common name is Maxy, but sometimes he’s Maximillion, sometimes Maximus, well, you get the idea. These names are meant to be affectionate, but for Max they are most likely confusing. Science hasn’t proven that cats are skilled in grammar.
Having recently been away from home for a week, Max was stressed by my absence and was a complete nuisance when I got home. Upon my arrival I had other things on my agenda than to let Max go through his OCD routine but he would have none of it. That’s kind of the way I am with Jesus.
Routine
When my routine gets upended by life I lose my routine with Jesus. Oh, I still make time for Him in the morning, but that may be in a car. And, we still talk but it’s difficult to carve out a quiet time to read my Bible, meditate on His word, and pray. So, when I finally get my life back, I’m like Max. I’m desperate to spend time with my Master.
Here’s where the rest of my Maxishness comes into play. Names are very important to the one true God; the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. The LORD renamed Abram, Sarai, and Jacob. He named the children of Hosea. Jesus gave new names to Peter, James, John and probably Saul/Paul. Also, each of God’s children gets a new name when we get to heaven. Names are important.
Confused
Also like Max, sometimes I am confused by my Master. I see myself as a worn out man of little or no worth. However, sometimes, God calls me by a name like “the one who breaks down walls.” That’s confusing to me but Jesus sees me in Him; yes, I said that correctly. He is in me but I am in Him. And, the person I am in Jesus has different names, kind of like Max.
You also may have different names because you are loved by God and used by Him. Perhaps, you are the “the builder of churches”, “the compassion giver”, “the teacher of children”, “the elder”. I don’t know how God sees you or the names by which He calls you. But you should know this, God often renames His people.
Mark 4:13-17 (ESV), 13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);
So, pray and listen. That name you hear may be yours.
Photo by Mara Page on Unsplash
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https://rockexcavationservice.org/2018/10/02/his-vision-is-complete/