Author: Wick

In listening to the lectures by Dr.Mulholland lately, he’s reminded the class over and over again about the importance of the word “name” throughout scriptures and ancient theology. That we can gain much in our reading of God’s word, if when we see the word “name”, we think of the concept of “nature”. Not nature like taking a walk down the Appalachian trail, but nature as in “it’s God’s nature to be Loving” kinda thing.

Obviously there are verses that this is obviously not meant. Genesis 10:25, “..and his brothers name was Joktan.” Crazy name too, by the way, eh? Good luck naming your son Joktan today. (it means “small”)

But how about in Genesis 12:2, “..I will make your name great…” Makes a lot more of a connection if this is a promise from God to transform the very nature of His people into His own.

Or in 1 Peter 4:16, “If any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this (nature).” One of the natures of Christ we do not consider very often, is to suffer. This verse is more than offering the name of Jesus Christ as a badge to be proud of. It’s declaring that in our suffering, we are connecting with the very nature of Jesus Christ.

And finally, in Revelation 3:12, “If you conquer…I will write on you the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the New Jerusalem that comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” The words actually begin with a term “if you are conquering”, which meant/means to be living as New Jerusalem citizens in a fallen Babylon world. If we are living toward Jesus and His Kingdom, God promises to transform our very nature toward His own, and toward a resurrected nature. 🙂

It’s tempting to provide more examples like this, but I believe it’s beneficial to whet your appetite, and tell you to go look for more uses of the word “name”. Obviously, again…not every time…but many times it can mean SOOOO much more than what someone calls out to get our attention. May God bless you as you read His Word….and take on His name.

To quote DC Talk, “I love Rap Music”.

I know that actual rap fans, and rappers would probably hear this and giggle inside. Lack of ____________, that makes it a merely wannabe effort.

And yet it stands. Props to the wannabe’s who aren’t afraid to play. 🙂

If you’re curious, it was all recorded with a mic on my computer (thus the horrible sound quality), and mixed with beats/effects available in Acid 4.0.

And what are Paul’s final words in these verses?

Therefore…STAND FIRM in the Lord IN THIS WAY.

What way?

Not simply by “believing”. Not by simply “being devoted to what happens at church”, or by giving large amounts of our excess to God and His Kingdom.

But by actually LIVING as CITIZENS of heaven. Now. By renouncing any other people/things/powers that try and claim you as a citizen under their authority.

This can be an incredible gift – For those of us who have messed up. For those of us who have very little in this world. For those of us who are suffering. None of these things can claim our identity….for we are citizens of HEAVEN even now.

This can also feel/seem like a sacrifice – For those of us who have more than plenty. Those of us who are comfortable, and have built up a today and tomorrow that we are tempted to put faith in. For those of us who have accomplished something that the world ascribes to us as our identity. We renounce all of these things, reminded by Paul that our minds are not on things of this world. We are CITIZENS OF HEAVEN.

I’d venture that for most of us, we have moments of both. Moments where we cling to that citizenship for all we’re worth, as it frees us from what threatens to bind us today, and promises hope and life for eternity with Jesus. But also moments where we are challenged to serve Caesar. Tempted to think our identity might be bound by a success or potential success in this world.

Into both moments, come the Truth of Jesus Christ about our citizenship…a citizenship that is offered to ALL nations and people around the globe. A citizenship we did not, could not ever earn or purchase.

Will you live as a citizen of heaven this week?

What will that change from last week?

What Caesars is God calling you to turn away from?

What Caesars is God freeing you from?