by Rev Steve Nickodemus

I Bear Your Name…

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“I will sacrifice a thank offering to You and call on the name of the Lord.”
Psalm 116:17

Wherever I go, whatever I do, my family name goes with me.  Nothing that I do is separated from my name.  In the neighborhood where I was raised I often hear, “Oh, you’re Steve Nickodemus!  You must be Erwin and Lillian’s son.”  My name brings up a whole host of associations for that person, a whole family of people and stories with which they are acquainted.

Wherever I go, whatever I do, I bear the name of my Father.  People who meet me know that I am one of those people that call upon God as their Father.  I am associated with the name of Jesus Christ and with the story of His cross and His resurrection.  I hallow His name with my words and my deeds.  I bear witness to His name with my life.

Johnny Cash, singing of a man’s faithfulness to his wife, says, “Because you’re mine, I walk the line.”  How much more should I be faithful to bearing the name of Jesus wherever I go?  “Because you are my Lord, I will be faithful to Your name!  I will call on Your name and bear witness to Your name, I will make Your name holy in my life and work and family!”

How do you bear your Father’s name when you pray, “Hallowed be Thy name”? Do you mean to make your Father’s name holy wherever you go?

Lord, please forgive me when I do not hallow Your name in my words and deeds.  May Your name be made holy, even as I live in You and Your Word lives in me.  Thank you for the story of Your grace and love that follows me wherever I go. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado