1 Timothy 6; 2 Timothy 1-4

There are times when the meaning of a person’s name matters or even how one received their name. I was reminded the name of Timothy really suits him. His name comes from two words, timan, to honour, and theos, God. This literally means he who honours God.

 Whoever is a slave must make the best of it, giving respect to his master so that outsiders don’t blame God and our teaching for his behavior. – 1 Timothy 6:1 MSG

The name of God is just as important to me and my actions imply the kind of God that He is. Is He a God of social disorder or is He a God not to be dishonoured? My walk with Jesus would indicate that I reflect His character in my patience and meekness and not in rebellion or violence. I am to walk with respect. I cannot be the one who someone would look on and say that followers of Jesus are those who produce discontent and who lead to insurrection.

I honour those who employ me because God has placed them in authority over me regardless how unworthy they may be. I learned this lesson in my very first pastoral role. My pastor did some very unworthy things and I talked about it – far too much. I love that I had someone who loved me enough to teach me what it means to be a follower of Jesus and to honour the one given authority by God and that my role was to honour and let God do His thing in his heart. Just in case word-smithing takes place here as to what honour means, I learned that honour means respect, observance, compliance and obedience.

I’m charging you before the life-giving God and before Christ, who took his stand before Pontius Pilate and didn’t give an inch: Keep this command to the letter, and don’t slack off. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. He’ll show up right on time, his arrival guaranteed by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God. He’s the only one death can’t touch, his light so bright no one can get close. He’s never been seen by human eyes—human eyes can’t take him in! Honor to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes. – 1 Timothy 6 :13-16 MSG

I can do the things God has asked me to do and be, I can endure, because of who I am in light of eternity. I serve a living God, the one who created heaven and earth and all of creation. When I think of God as God the Creator, it is easier to see Him as the one to be honoured and to be accountable to. My response is no longer, “what can You do for me?” but rather how can I declare Your honour and everlasting power?

Father, this feels so unnatural in a world where everyone is fighting for their own rights. I want to be in a place where I am completely Yours, either as an employee, a citizen or even a prisoner. Thank You!

Erwin (evanlaar1922)

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Numbers 5:23-7:59

At my most sincere and earnest desire to be all that God wanted me to be, I never thought of the Nazirite vow as something to pursue. I think following Jesus was enough and I did not need a physical representation of that.

God spoke to Moses: “Speak to the People of Israel; tell them, If any of you, man or woman, wants to make a special Nazirite vow, consecrating yourself totally to God, you must not drink any wine or beer, no intoxicating drink of any kind, not even the juice of grapes—in fact, you must not even eat grapes or raisins. For the duration of the consecration, nothing from the grapevine—not even the seeds, not even the skin—may be eaten. – Numbers 6:1-4 MSG

What I do understand is this – a vow to this end was a dedication to be as near to God as possible with a view to His honour and glory. It was an expression of gratitude for mercies received and for the strengthening of faith and love, and all the graces and virtues one receives for following Him.

This was serious business for not honouring a vow, failing to honour that vow before God, was a sin.

That sin would not just be guilt, but also shame – as expressed in turning away from the face of God.

So what path do I take – looking for an expression that will honour those who follow Jesus – in other words, letting them see the face of God?

God spoke to Moses: “Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the People of Israel. Say to them,

God bless you and keep you,
God smile on you and gift you,
God look you full in the face
    and make you prosper.

In so doing, they will place my name on the People of Israel—

I will confirm it by blessing them.” – Numbers 6:22-27 MSG

This is commonly known as the “Aaronic Blessing.” The name of God represents the honour of God. What a blessing! God’s honour attached to His people!

Here is what I am reading – I can be God’s agent of His blessings – almost like a mediator of God’s “face” to other people and families. I also read that this blessing is for those who see themselves as being part of the family of God.

What if I took on a new mission – praying the Aaronic Blessing for families and people who may not be followers of Jesus? I want to be surprised on how open they will be to being prayed for and to receive this blessing. In my mind, I see my Muslim community changed by God’s love.

Father, I trust You completely to changing my heart and the heart of those I share Your blessings with. May Your Word not return void, but rather continue to change hearts and lives as it always has. Thank You.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)