BOCh RVF 26062002
Authorities in Moscow, Russia are a bit frustrated by an unreasonable couple who could not come into agreement with what people at a local children’s feel is a reasonable name for their newborn. Rather than choosing a common name, they insist on naming there child with a gibberish line of unrecognizable consonants and numbers. The name “BOCh RVF 26062002” is a technical Russian acronym for the phrase “Biological Human Object of the Voronin-Frolov Genus,” but one can see why officials won’t put that name on a birth certificate.
But there are others in Russia who are also choosing unusual names. These include the English equivalency of: Wind, Dolphin, North, Leaf Salad, Aviation Dispatcher, Cool, Simply a Hero, and even
Viagra. Perhaps the most controversial name reaches farther southward to the tropical nation of New Zealand. In this remote place, lives a little girl named “Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii.” I suppose she could immigrate to America and marry a “Boy Named Sue.” I wish all these children no misfortune with their arguably unfortunate beginnings.
As many in my reading audience knows, my wife and I are expecting…again. For those keeping track, this will be Papez Child #6, and doctors have notified us that our baby that is 21 weeks conceived is a boy which we will name Nathan. His name means “Given By God,” which to me is more than fitting. To all those out there shocked by our the sheer numbers of our future volleyball team, I jokingly respond, “yes, I know what is causing it.” In an era that promotes a planned parenthood and birth control. I understand the number in our family is uncommon. It’s just that my wife and I have a real hard time saying to the Lord that He can have every aspect of our lives EXCEPT the womb—so we gave that over to Him years ago.
In Mark 1:1-3, the author lists 4 different names for the newborn baby that has become our saviour. These names include: Jesus, Christ, Son of God, and Lord. And each name carries within it a certain amount of significance.
Jesus, a common name also sometimes written as Yeshua or Joshua, is the formal name of the Messiah that was announced through the prophets many years before His virgin birth from Mary. The direct meaning is “Yahweh is Salvation,” and aren’t we all most thankful for His salvation.
The name Christ carries the literal meaning, “The Anointed One,” and carries within it the idea of a blessing. In the ancient days, anointings were given to prophets, priests, and kings, and Jesus was all three!
The title of “Son of God,” is not biblically uncommon if a careful search is done. In addition to describing the coming savior, it was also used for angels, the Nation of Israel, and the Davidic lines of Kings (for those wishing to do some research, read into Job 1:6, Hosea 1:10, & 2 Samuel 7:14). All of thse are chosen ones.
Finally, the title Lord can be used to refer the name YHWH, a name so holy that after scribes wrote it on papyrus, they stopped their day and bathed themselves for they deemed God so holy that we humans were not even worthy to write His name (those who understand this really should never use his name in vain again, for that sin should carry on a whole new meaning).
Names matter. Your name, my name, and God’s name, it all matters. Our lives are more important than to only consider us as a “Biological Human Object.” We are “People With Souls.” And ultimately, because of Christ and the power of His name, we can enter into communion with Him, and I hope all of you, regardless of your name, do just that.
BRETT FAVRE
The man, the myth, the legend was born in a tiny rural Mississippi town called Kiln, population 2,040. As a grandson of a Choctaw Indian, he played strong safety, kicker, punter, and quarterback for his high school team that passed less than five times a game. Favre received one and only one scholarship offer to attend Southern Mississippi, who thought he would make a great defensive back. Few people knew that he would be destined for greatness.
Now the year is 2008, and arguably the greatest quarterback of all time is still throwing the pigskin at the age of 18. He has earned the NFL’s iron man equivalent by playing in a record of 275 consecutive games. He owns every record in history including: most touchdown passes, most passing yards, most wins by a quarterback, most pass completions, most pass attempts, most MVP awards, most career games with three or more touchdowns, the unusual record of most wins by a quarterback when the temperature falls under 32 degrees, and many others.
There are some unusual instances that only the die hard fans know. Twice, he voluntarily took a pay decreases in order to funnel more money to his offensive lineman. In college, Favre was in a near fatal car accident resulting in the loss of 30 inches of his small intestine, but he still played well enough to lead a come from behind win against Alabama. He played while still suffering from the emotional loss of losing his brother-in-law in a four wheeler accident. And when his own father passed away, he played perhaps the greatest game of his life in front of a Monday Night audience against the Raiders. In baseball terms, he is the equivalent of Babe Ruth, Pete Rose, Cy Young, and Cal Ripken all rolled into one because of the records he holds.
In the sport of football, Brett Favre perseveres. But what about us? And what about our faith? In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, the author Paul now getting up in age takes a brief moment to reflect back on his life. In speaking in entire life long consummation, he explains “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! Finally, the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day—and not to me only , but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.”
In the Greek, the phrase “competed well” carries the expression such as “running the good race” or “fighting the good fight,” and holds within it a symbolic reference to a boxing or wrestling match. I don’t know about you, but I feel that sometimes life can feel just like boxing match. There are some tragedies that are so appalling that when people ask me as a pastor why…my only answer is I don’t know. But I do know this…that despite any challenge or any spiritual battle, we are called to persevere. And this is exactly my hope and prayer for all believers, even if in our lives it seems that we never throw a touchdown pass.