but which name

Today I was reminded of a thought I had a few Sundays ago when I enjoyed a powerful sermon.

President Moon is a compelling speaker and successful businessman. This was easy to detect from his approach and delivery of his message.

That particular Sunday he focused on the blessing of the Sacrament. The promises we, as covenant makers, agree to and the promised blessings we can receive. He asked the group, “What specifically do the prayers say in regard to any one of the covenants we are renewing as we partake of the Sacrament?” Scriptures opened, pages turned, and screens lit up as the hunt began.

A hand rose and an answer came, “…that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son…” President Moon echoed back slowly and deliberately, “…that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son…”

As I partook of the broken bread and drank the sacramental water I listened more intently to the prayers than I have in the past. I remembered the discussion with President Moon and his specific challenge for me to remember what I was committing myself to.

“… and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son…”

What followed those words was not a gust of wind, rumbling earthquake or clap of thunder.

A single thought to my brain.

A question.

Three simple, yet penetrating words.

“But which name?”

Before Thought could go I grabbed his hand and pulled him back inside. I shut the door and invited him to stay awhile.

“But which name?”

He caught me off guard, but in a way that makes you smile. Like when the doorbell rings and upon answering you find that sitting on the porch is a Halloween treat with a sweet note attached.

Surprising and satisfying.

I asked Thought what he meant by his question and because of that he expounded, but just a little. He had a smile on his face that led me to believe he knew all the answers, but was only going to give me bits at a time. He could tell I was sincere. He said,

“But which name… of the Son?”

Now, the ideas were blending.

Which name of CHRIST was I taking upon myself each week as I partook of the Sacrament?

I’d never met Thought in my 22 years of life, yet felt like we had crossed paths before. After 22 years of Sunday sacrament prayers I felt like I should have met him years earlier. Maybe I did and just couldn’t remember. Oh well! I was meeting him again and was not going to let him leave before I got to know him.

I asked him a few more questions and we enjoyed conversation for hours. It felt like reminiscing with an old friend, or getting to know a new one 🙂

Eventually, he left. He walked out, and with the door knob in his hand, it was as if I heard him say, “this was fun. I’d love to come again sometime.”

“But which name…”

I LOVE the title Advocate for my Jesus.

It’s who I need most often and how I want to treat people. It means He is on my team and my sideline. He defends me when I don’t deserve defending. He fights for me because I am His.

This week I am taking upon myself the name advocate and living by this line from my pastor, “make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side.” mmmmm buhlee dat!

I have a friend, a best friend, who is an advocate in my life.

He may not defend the opposing team well on the court, but he’d defend me if I was convicted in court.

He’s too kind to throw hands against me, but I KNOW he’d fight against my enemies.

We don’t always cheer for the same team, but we believe the same thing.

He’s the one next to me in the picture. On my side.

Time has a funny way of changing the seating arrangements.

Recently I’ve been demoted to his back seat, but I know he’ll always have my back.

Pick a Jesus name and rep Him this week. It’s your best jersey you can wear. 💛