Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

TEXT: "And at the end of eight days...He was called
Jesus." (Luke 2:21)

New Year's Eve was exciting when I was a kid. We
say goodbye to the old and ring in the new. With each
New Year came all kinds of exciting opportunities,
hopes and dreams.

Jesus has now reached the age of eight days and
something new is about to happen. Every Israelite boy
who reached the age of eight days was required to be
circumcised and receive his name. As we saw earlier
in the naming of Zechariah and Elizabeth's son John,
names were important to the people of Israel.

Mary and Joseph have already been told the Name that
God has given for His Son. So in obedience they gave
Mary's Child the Name of Jesus. It was a common name
at the time. It means "The Lord is salvation" or "The Lord
saves." In the Old Testament the names Joshua and
Hosea are variants of the name Jesus. Every other
Israelite boy carrying this name in effect reminded people
to turn their attention to God, who is their salvation.

In the case of Mary's Son it was completely different,
however. In His case the Name pointed to Himself as
Lord-the One who is now present to save His people from
their sins. Many years from now His enemies will hurl His
Name back at Him in mockery, as He hangs on the cross:
"He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He trusts in
God, let God deliver Him now, if He desires Him. For He
said, 'I am the Son of God'" (Matthew 27:42-43).

But there on the cross Jesus was fulfilling His Name-the
Lord saving His people from death and hell by suffering for
their sins.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You truly are the Lord who saves His people.
Receive our thanks for being the Savior Your name said
You would be. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)