By Canaan Chapman
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:7-15, Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 12:13, Ephesians 6:18-20
Names hold power—they are symbols for a person, conveying special meaning and acknowledgement, and connecting generations of others who have come before. Take every possession from a person, and they still have their name. Names are used to communicate directly and specifically. They carry significance, history, intimacy, and existence.
In the Scriptures, there are hundreds of names mentioned, and each one is carried by a person created by God for His purpose. In today’s reading, I’m reminded how important a name can be.
In Paul’s final greeting in this letter to the Colossian church, he gave shout-outs to some of the people he was connected to and commended them. How encouraging it would’ve been to get a shout out like this! But, even if this passage is familiar to you, how many could you name before reading this passage? How many can you remember without the Bible open in front of you?
I’m greatly humbled and challenged by this simple passage because I’d definitely fail to recall those names. But we know that Jesus doesn’t. He taught that anyone who welcomes Him is welcoming God Himself (Matthew 10:40)! In Romans, we get further instructions to “share with the saints in their needs” (Romans 12:13). When I read a passage like this, I’m reminded that each image-bearer God created is special and should be regarded as such.
How often do we use our relationships to show regard to others and brag on them? How often do we stop and think about those who came before us and who are doing kingdom work? If there was something I’d want us to remember, it would perhaps be that no one wants to be forgotten and that God created us for community. Maybe today’s the day we make our own list and send that encouragement that’s so necessary to sustain, encourage, and exhort the brothers and sisters to keep up the good fight of faith. Praise God for the reminder.
Written by Canaan Chapman
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