Stop and Read: Luke 1:26-33
Reference: Jesus, 90 Days with the One and Only by Beth Moore
Nine years ago I went through a bible study that was life changing. The very first day of the 90-day study, Beth Moore asked, what words come to mind when you think of the name of Jesus.
Who is Jesus to You
Back then I was going through my divorce so my answers reflected the peace and hope I was feeling during that time (Yes, you read that right, peace and hope). My response read, When I think of Him my heart fills with joy and gladness. Right now, in my life, He is my Protector, Provider, and HUSBAND! I still often remember the emotions that fled through me so long ago. I cried for him to restore my joy and he did in an indescribable way. I love that I wrote those things down so I can look back almost a decade later and remember all that he’s done for me.
I still often remember the emotions that fled through me so long ago. I cried for him to restore my joy and he did in an indescribable way. I love that I wrote those things down so I can look back almost a decade later and remember all that he’s done for me.
As I sat down to go through the study, again, and I came to that first question, again, what other words come to mind when you speak the name Jesus, my answer sounded a little different. Now nine years later, I’m a stay at home mom of two 3 and 4-year-old blonde headed boys. I have a husband with a job that demands long hours and my own business that provides its own set of ups and downs. So, honestly, my answer read something like this, When I think of the name Jesus, personal guilt comes to mind because of how often I put him on the back burner. Most days he’s not first and some days, he’s not even last.
Now I know what you’re thinking, Jesus associated with guilt? That shouldn’t be! That’s blasphemy! He’s a loving savior of grace! And yes, you’re right, he is. But that doesn’t change what I’m feeling in my heart right now. I haven’t accepted his grace because I haven’t taken the time to.
The Lord is With You
When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary she was alone. Alone. I’ll let that take time to seep in though I’m sure for most of you that feeling is all too familiar. As I sat at the park today reading this study, I couldn’t keep the tears from flowing when I read those words. Alone. Gosh, even though I’m surrounded by two boys who talk non-stop, a husband who adores me and friends who always help me out on a whim, I can’t help but feel alone at times. Then he said to her, “Greetings, you are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Cue the ugly cry.
Mary wasn’t delighted at these words. She was troubled. As I would be. As I am. He didn’t stop there. “Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God.” She’s still processing what these words mean because up until the next part she didn’t know why he was saying this to her. In the past, God had spoken such powerful words over men, but a woman? Gabriel then told her she was to be a mother and spoke, for the very first time, the name of Jesus.
The Name of Jesus
My boys played around me, and the tears just flowed harder and harder because it was as if the words were being spoken to me. I came home and started to put this all down in words and I was sure that I was to write about how much he has favor in me. And while that part is true and we should relish in his favor and honor, it’s the fact that this is the first time in scripture, the first time in history, his name is spoken into existence. If you look at your concordance in the back of your bible, you’ll see that his name isn’t mentioned until the very beginning of the new Testament, in this story, was his name spoken for the first time.
It’s his name he wanted me to speak. His name he wanted me to know. Because at the name of Jesus, the lost are saved and find their way. It’s where weary travelers, like me, can come just as they are. How beautiful, how powerful is his name.
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Melodee Fiske
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