“There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” Luke 1:61

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
It was strange that Elizabeth didn’t want her son to be named after his father or another relative. But this child was something special and received a special name from God.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 20
Bill and Chuck met for lunch on Friday. Bill ventured, “I hope you don’t mind me asking, Chuck, but what do you know about Jesus?”

Chuck replied, “I have to admit, I don’t know much. When I married my wife, she wanted me to go to church, but it seemed so hypocritical. She only went at Christmas and Easter. So, what difference would it make for me? In fact, my family ridiculed me for marrying her.”

Bill inquired, “What do you mean?”

“Well, my parents said that church people always thought they were better than everybody else. They teased me about becoming some “goody-goody boy.” I wasn’t about to give them the satisfaction. I didn’t want to become somebody who wasn’t normal.”

Bill said, “Chuck, do you think that I’m normal?” Chuck replied, “Sure, but what’s the difference—I mean, about being a Christian?”

Bill said, “How about if you and Bobby come to my house tomorrow for lunch? We can talk about it.” Chuck said, “Okay.”

REALITY JOURNEY
God puts the name of Christ upon us in Baptism. For those who have not been raised in the Christian faith, this name and life in Christ may be unfamiliar, or a source of ridicule. Yet, it is a name to cherish and share. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for someone who does not believe in the name of Jesus, or is ridiculed because His name is upon him or her as a believer. Ask God to help you make His Name known.

Today's Bible Readings: Ezra 5-7    Revelation 11

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