Nicknames

In the Gospel of Mark, chapter three, the original 12 apostles are listed.  Among them are: “Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);  James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder)” and the list goes on.

It is interesting to me that Jesus gave nicknames to three of the twelve.  He called them Rocky (technically, Rock) and Sons of Thunder.  You have to admit, those are pretty cool names.

In my childhood and teen years, I had nick names too.  Most of them weren’t very nice.  I was called “Geek” in high school but I didn’t mind.  Today, it would be a compliment but “back in the day”, it was not.  Good nicknames usually say something about the person.

The point here is simple. Jesus was familiar enough with these men to give them pet names.  He knew them.  He cared for them.  They were his dear friends.  Jesus wants to know you that way too.  God longs to have a relationship with us.  Jesus made it possible by dying on the cross for our sins and returning to life.

Does God know you?  Does He have a nickname for you?  Do you spend time with Him, getting to know Him?  If not, you could start today.  (If you want to and don’t know how, contact me.)  God loves you.  He knows your name.  He has time for you.  Will you make time for Him?

PK (that stands for “Pastor Ken”, btw)