Devo Week 25
Awakened by the Name -- Jesus, the Gardener
The young boy Samuel had been awakened by hearing his name. He thought Eli the priest was calling him. After going to Eli twice, Samuel was advised by Eli the third time to consider that perhaps the Lord was calling his name. Think about that: Creator God calls your name!
Key Concept: God Speaks Our Language
Why is a familiar name so impactful? The underlying truth is that a name signifies relational history. Families who are blessed with children usually choose a name for a reason. Our daughter has three names, each from a different language and culture: first, we named her Hannah after the woman of great faith in the Old Testament. Our Hannah inherited from us American, Judeo-Christian roots; second, my wife was three months pregnant with our daughter when we first moved into the Akha village on Elephant Mountain. There, our daughter was given the Akha name, Mi Cu, meaning “one who nurtures and comforts;” and third, she was given the Thai name, Nahm Fon, meaning "falling rain" because she was born in rainy season in Thailand. All three names carry an endearment with each people group as well as meaning and history within each language and culture.
It is the same with God and His name. When we began speaking the Akha's indigenous name for God, we struck a historical and cultural root. We saw a visible reaction, a quickening of their spirits, the first time I prayed using the name A poe Mi Yeh. This must have been what happened to Mary when the gardener called her name. Immediately, Mary knew it was Jesus calling her. A rush of memories with Jesus must have flooded her. It wasn't just that her name was called, but it was the Person who called her by name.
God is the God of both the Jews and Gentiles. (Rom. 3:29) The Apostle Paul in Acts 17:23 reiterated this on Mars Hill at the altar to the 'unknown God.' When people groups hear God's name in their own language, awakenings can happen! This is why ministries like Global Recordings Network (GRN) International prioritize 'mother-tongue' languages. Currently, GRN has biblical stories recorded in over 6,200 native languages. The power of communicating in a familiar language cannot be overstated.
Key Word Definition: Awakening (noun)
-- an act of waking from sleep.
-- an act or moment of becoming suddenly aware of something.
Excerpt from Devotional 25 with highlighted word:
"A name is much more than just a name. Within it lies a special meaning, an intrinsic value. Even hearing it can cause an awakening."
Scripture: John 20:15-16
“He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).”