A GOOD NAME

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1st Peter 2:9)

Between 1915 and 1924, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, tire magnate Harvey Firestone and naturalist John Burroughs (who took part 1916-1920), calling themselves "the Four Vagabonds," embarked on a series of summer camping trips. Others joined the group at various times, among them family, business associates and politicians, including U.S. presidents.
Even while they were in a (theoretically) incommunicado status these famous men were often mobbed by the media who published daily accounts of their travels and extolled the lavish nature of these campouts, including the presence of butlers and all manner of hired help who cooked their food and pressed their clothing.
During these "highlights of their twilight" the quartet toured the woodlands and mountains of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland.
On one particular day, and as their caravan made its way from one scenic vista to another, the lead car carrying the four men broke down in some non-descript "Podunk Junction" or the other. Thankfully, a "shade tree" mechanic was located, and he set about diagnosing the problem. He finally spoke.
"Well now, I believe you have an electrical issue here."
With this, Thomas Edison exclaimed,
"Nope. I'm Thomas Edison and I've already evaluated the electrical system."
Even given the caravan which escorted the four men, the redneck mechanic was skeptical that he was in the presence of greatness. Humoring the stranger, however, he opined,
"Well then, I'm quite sure it has something to do with the fuel system."
At this point, THE automobile magnate of his day spoke up.
"Uhmmm, it's definitely not the fuel system. For you see, I'm Henry Ford, and you gotta know I already checked that out."
The good ole boy shook his head, and smiled, and cast his gaze at the bearded John Burroughs, and mused,
"And I suppose you're Santa Claus!"

Pt. 2

In early March of 2012, my father passed away. Three weeks later a memorial service was conducted at my mother's church in the idyllic town of Bartow, Florida.
During the service the minister emphacized the principle of "A Good Name," and alluded to the character of my father, and his honorable reputation among the inhabitants of this little southern town. For you see, my dad owned the only local exterminating company, and had bug-proofed hundreds and hundreds of homes in the area. Pastor Lowe went on to make an example of my nephew when he notified the audience that Tony had recently changed his surname to "McDonald;" out of love and respect for his grandfather.
My father was no Henry Ford or Thomas Edison, and hearkening back to my earlier illustration, he certainly wasn't as famous as Santa Claus, but he was known and loved by his children and grandchildren and the people of our little town.
As I was reading the 2nd chapter of 1st Peter the other day that passage with which I began this blog spoke to me in a way it never had in the past
."But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
God's special possession
Have you ever considered how MUCH the Creator loves you? Have you ever thought of the inestimable value with which He has endowed you?
You may not be a Thomas Edison or Henry Ford, but as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ He has endowed you with a name and inherent value against which everything mortal and momentary pales in significance.
I love John Eldridge's quotation in the volume, "Captivating."
"You've heard that in the heart of every man, woman, boy and girl is a space that only God can fill. But did you realize in the heart of God, Himself is a space that only (insert your name) can fill."
God's special possession!

A good name, indeed!

1. William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from (Mc)Donald's Daily Diary, Vol. 20. Copyright Pending.
   
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