YOU CAN CALL ME JESUS

There are mornings when I pray—all quiet, coffee in hand; unguarded, in the dark of morning with no one else around; casually plopped on the couch munching my cereal—when all the names I utter feel so formal, too distant, too sterile, too theological. Savior. Redeemer. Lord. Almighty. Master. My Righteousness. All true names. Holy names. Good names. But sometimes, it makes me feel like I’m back in a seminary classroom or leading a church group. What I need… what I want… is something closer. Something personal. Something that reaches into the struggles in my mind… the weariness in heart… the fear in my soul. 

And then He whispers, “You can call Me Jesus.”

In that moment, everything begins to shift. Not because He is less than Lord; or, any of the other holy appropriate names I offer… but because He is more than some distant deity. When I call Jesus by name, he somehow steps into my story. He is the One who sits down beside me in the struggle, the weariness, and the fear. He helps me step over the threshold and begin to walk into those I’m-not-quite-there-yet places. Jesus is the name that knows your Monday morning struggles and the 2:00am can’t-turn-my-mind-off fears; you know, the ones you’re not suppose to have as a “real” Christian. 

Jesus is the name of the One who wept with Mary and Martha… the One who spoke kindness, and truth over the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well… the One who poured out compassion on the “sinful woman” toting the alabaster jar—the only person in the whole room who truly saw Him for who He was. 

“You can call me Jesus…” is an invitation. He wants you to know Him, not just as the God you worship, but as the Traveler who walks with you.

Not just as the King you honor, but as the Driver who takes you home.

Not just as the Holy One above, but as the “ain’t going nowhere” Friend who stays.

“You will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:21

When you speak His name today. Say it slowly.

Say it like someone who is known. Say it like someone who is loved.

Say it like He’s the One beside you. 

Jesus.

___________

For Best Things…

Craig