On a First Name Basis

“I am Jesus…”  Acts 9:5

The other day I introduced myself to a doctor who was meandering through the clinic checking on patients.  Before he approached Jan, I stood, extended my hand and gave him my name but got nothing but a smile, a nod and a handshake.  I guess he figured I must already know who he was (I didn’t) or that his reputation proceeded him (it didn’t) or that he was important enough for people to just want to be in his presence (he isn’t).  I’m glad that Jesus is not the same.

If there was anyone whose reputation could precede His arrival, it would be God.  His entrance into this world, though, was marked instead by anonymity.  His life could certainly have been a showcase but it was marked by commonality.  His death could have been grander, His burial could have been fodder for the front page and His resurrection… well, frankly it could have been better attended.  Given all of the circumstances, our Lord could have used some advice about how to get some respect. Bless His heart.  He could have done better.

Once upon a time there was a man who had a great reputation in his little world.  He was feared by many, respected by some and thought much of by himself.  He became known as a defender of his faith and since he was young and zealous he was anointed by the old and tired to do their dirty work.  History does not record how many widows he made or how many mother’s hearts he broke but by his own words he “persecuted the Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons.” In other words, Saul of Tarsus was a nightmare to those who followed the Lord.

The fateful day arrived when Jesus called him into servitude.  Saul called Him “Lord” even before he knew who had spoken from the clouds, blinded him and knocked him to the ground.  But it is arresting how simply and precisely the risen Christ spoke.  “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. It’s hard to kick against the goad.” The goad is a cattle prod.  Jesus had a direction for Saul to go and yet made it clear that Saul could make the choice… either bear the pain of the prod or do as Jesus commanded.  No title caused him to follow, no reputation, no stories of the miracles.  Instead it was the goad of grace and the power of ultimate persuasion that the simple name of Jesus held.

"The least of these..."

Jesus called titles “Respectful greetings in the marketplace” that were used by those who wanted what He had in order to control the less powerful.  I am grateful today that I approach a remarkable and monumental throne of grace because the Creator allows me to call Him by name.  There is no pretense.  There are no layers of titles, degrees or rank that separates me from Him.  He is my brother.  My friend.  My closest companion.  My Lord.  And His name is the most beautiful of all.

Thank God I call Him… Jesus.