Daughter

When Jesus called the unnamed woman in Mark 5, 'daughter', he was giving her way much more than she could have dreamed of. 

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” - Mark 5:34

From being a nobody - an outcast - someone lost in the crowd, she is now called a “daughter of the living God.” She is given a new name and with that she is given her dignity back.

This is a profound reality for all of us, because there are some days when we feel lost among the billions of people on our planet. We wonder if anyone cares. We may even question if God cares. Today's scripture brings hope to all of us. 

God does care for us.

We are all his sons and daughters.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What a beautiful name

There are so many fantastic modern songs that speak into the birth of Jesus Christ and God’s decision to send him to be our Saviour. The words of What a Beautiful Name truly capture the essence of the Incarnation for us and they also point us forward to the mystery of the cross.

You were the Word at the beginning
One with God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ

What a beautiful name it is
What a beautiful name it is
The name of Jesus Christ my King
What a beautiful name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful name it is
The name of Jesus

You didn't want heaven without us
So Jesus, You brought heaven down
My sin was great, Your love was greater
What could separate us now

The words of this song were written and composed by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood in December 2015, before it was performed by Hillsong Worship in 2016. It is too early to tell if this song will be a classic, like many of the older hymns and carols, but it certainly has a beautiful melody and is really easy to sing along with.

The lyrics have come in for some criticism from a few scholars, but the heart of the song is based around these passages from Hebrews 1:1–1:4 and Colossians 1.  Personally I was not looking to be critical when I first heard the song. I love the opening verse – it really reminds me of how God’s glory is revealed in the birth of Jesus Christ.

There is so much HOPE and CONSOLATION in the name of Jesus Christ. Indeed, what a beautiful name it is.

Thought: When you are facing a really tough time, all you need to do is breathe in and speak the name of Jesus. You will slowly start to feel more at peace. Try this a few more times and see what the precious name of Jesus does in your spirit.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

I call you "Daughter!"

                                                        

Carrying on with yesterday's story from Mark 5, which includes the unnamed woman who had been suffering with a Haemorrhage for 12 years, we note something remarkable....

Although she has not been given a name (by Mark) she would have obviously had her own name. Jesus knows that she is a person of value, and despite her suffering, Jesus calls her by a new name in this powerful account.

Jesus calls her 'Daughter', which may seem like a generic term to most of us, but for this woman it would have been life-changing. Not only was she excluded from worship (for at least 12 years), but she was yet to encounter the Messiah. This moment, brings her physical healing and the beautiful gift of becoming a child of God.

Isaiah 62:2 -"The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow."

Thought: Sometimes we have to go through trials and suffering to truly discover that we are valued and loved by God. God knows our names and he calls us to be a part of his family.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What's in a name

What is in a name?
In the opening verse of Micah's prophecy he mentions that he comes from a town called Moresheth. For most of us this doesn't mean much, but I think it is profound in light of our own journey through Advent. Moresheth means 'Possession' in Hebrew and this reminds us that ultimately we belong to the Lord.

The reason for Micah's stern words in his prophecy is because people have turned away from God and so he calls them to repentance. It is interesting that we often see God's calling us to repent as an angry gesture, but what if we changed that perspective to one of Care. God's calls us back home because we are 'His' and God loves us. He doesn't want to see his 'pride and joy' living unfilled lives.

Micah 1:1 - "The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah..."

As you begin this season of Advent remember that the Lord loves you and we belong to him. He loves us more than anything.

Mark 9:41 - Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

An Oracle

"An oracle. The word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi..." - Malachi 1:1 (NRSV)

As we begin this Advent journey I propose we start gently. It is important to reflect on the name 'Malachi' before we even go deeper into the prophetic words of the book. 

We are not even sure if Malachi was a real person's name, because there doesn't seem to be any other record of his life. However, what is certain is that 'Malachi' means 'My MESSENGER' and so when we begin reading the rest of the book, we note that all that follows is intended to be a clear message from God. 

The Birth of Jesus was a clear message from the Father. It has been spoken of for generations and generations, yet it never grows old. And so whether the Message of the Messiah comes to us via a priest, prophet, uneducated servant or even a child, we would be wise to STOP and listen.

Are you listening this Advent season?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

What's in your name?

We are reminded at Christmas that Jesus' name means 'The Lord saves'(from Joshua) or 'God with us' (Immanuel). These meanings speak powerfully into our lives and offer us hope and encouragement.

But have you ever considered the meaning of your name and whether that speaks about your life? Do you live into your name or do you find there is no connection between the meaning and your life?

My name means, 'someone who comes from the sea.' I can honestly say I love the ocean and I feel more 'myself' when I am there. Does this mean anything - I am not sure?! But worth thinking about though!

Tell me what your name means - I'd love to know your story.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3