“Giving Jesus A Good Name”

Thursday, September 8, 2022

By Rev. Mark Muckler

SCRIPTURE

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

Recently I completed a sermon series on the Book of Acts emphasizing the church’s role to bear witness to our faith to those beyond the walls of the local church. During which time, I received an email from a colleague whose email signature I couldn’t help but to notice said,

“What have you done today to give Jesus a good name?”

This dear friend of mine, whom I admire her witness for Christ in such a caring and intentional kind of way. She recently invited me to meet up at “the bridge” on the Dan River where she and a few other clergy friends go fishing once a week. They gather, not only for the fishing, but for the opportunity to meet people and share the love of Christ with them. It was a blessing to join them that day, not only a blessing for those whom I met, but for me as well. That’s often the case though right? We are not only a blessing to those whom we serve, but the Lord blesses us too while serving Him. The Lord knew I needed that day more than I thought I did.

Earlier this week, I visited a church member in a rehabilitation center who is struggling to get their strength back. We talked and prayed together for her healing, and about the grace and love of Christ.

Right after I left, I went to get gas at the gas station and the man at the pump next to mine asked for some help. He needed money for gas. Not only did I fill up his tank, by we proceeded to talk for several minutes, as he shared his life story and struggles and how the Lord has gotten a hold of him recently and he’s now trying to turn his life around.

I then went inside the gas station to pay and came back out, and no sooner did I start up the truck, and a homeless man was knocking on my car window needing financial assistance.

And then driving home, just a few miles from the house, I came up to a crossroads out in the country, and a man in a t-shirt and jeans was waving me down and needed a ride to the bank. This guy was 62 years old, had no phone or car, but he did have a relationship with Jesus Christ. We talked and prayed together before I dropped him off.

I thought to myself, “Ok Lord, so what was that all about?” It’s not very often that I meet with several strangers in a row, back to back, all of whom needed to be reminded of the love of Christ while going through their own predicament. It was a special day to be reminded of why I do what I do; “to give Jesus a good name.” Not only is sharing my faith in Christ with others important, but in so doing, my soul was renewed, my passion for ministry was strengthened, and I was gently reminded of the love of God as I could see the face of Christ in each stranger I met.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION

How about you? “What have you done today to give Jesus a good name?” Do you keep your eyes peeled for those divine moments to share your faith? Often, what might seem like an inconvenience in any given moment, might just be a blessing in disguise so-to-speak.

Again, “What have you done today to give Jesus a good name?” Not only do we as pastors bear witness to our faith in our pulpits, Sunday school rooms, hospitals, and member’s homes, but there is no telling who the Lord will bring you way wherever we might be. Bearing witness for Christ invites us to live courageously, boldly, and lovingly with all our neighbors whoever they might be. And as we do, anticipate the blessings of God to abound! Intentional witnessing for Christ can be quite renewing. It reminds us of our own testimony, which reminds us of God’s great love for us, which renews our strength to serve Him. This week, be encouraged to be thinking about your work as a disciple of Christ and intentionally sharing your faith with others, especially those you don’t know. And as you do, I trust God’s blessings will be poured out upon both you and the persons you serve.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for Your great love for me. Remind me of that daily and may I be ever courageous to bear witness to Your goodness and grace to anyone I may meet. May my life speak of Your love, and if necessary, use my words too to bear witness to who You are. Thank You for this wonderful calling to pastoral ministry and for trusting me enough with the blessed privilege to be Your disciple wherever I might be. Strengthen our collective witness and be glorified in and through Your Church. In the name of Christ – AMEN.

RESOURCE / APPLICATION

Print out this quote and place it on your dashboard, or bathroom, or write it on an index card and keep it in your purse or wallet.

“What have you done today to give Jesus a good name?”

* quote by Rev. Evelyn Lemons