Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Mark 3:16-17 Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, "Sons of Thunder"
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Did Jesus give special names to all of His disciples? We do not know. But of three of the twelve we are told. And what odd names Jesus gave to them!
To Simon, son of Jonah, He gave the name Peter, or "stone." But Peter was impetuous, out-spoken, anything but solid like a stone. One minute he would be ready to draw his sword and fight to the death for his Master. The next minute he would be denying that he even knew Him, cursing anyone who would suggest that he did and swearing to his lie in order to "save his own skin."
And if James and John were thunderclouds, they were rather quiet about it. Aside from the one time that they showed a judgmental spirit toward the Samaritans who would not put them up for the night, we do not hear a lot of their great power and authority. Yet they are given a name which might suggest just that.
But all three of these disciples became just what Jesus called them, for He made them so. Peter became solid and sure, confessing Christ even under persecution and strengthening fellow-believers (1 Peter 4). James became a leader of those who are faithful unto death (Acts 12), and gentle John would one day thunder the downfall of the great dragon (Revelation 12).
What name would Jesus give to you? "Hungry for righteousness"? "Meek"? "Merciful"? "Pure in heart"? "Peacemaker"? "Blessed"? ... He will surely do it!
