My friend Peter Swerdlick used to yell "hey idiot" in a crowd, and watch everyone turn around. And we would laugh. Were they really all idiots, or just known by that? The power of a name. So while waiting for the elevator at my physical therapy appointment, I noted there was a Dr. Joseph College in the building. And I wondered if his parents ever realized the curse they put on him at birth. Joe College-wasn't that a t-shirt that Snoopy wore in the 70's? Would you go to a doctor named Joe College? And I almost laughed when the sign outside his office said sick people could not come in. Huh? Why else go to a doctor? They were told to wait in the hall. Is that considered a house call-since you are not seen in the office? A lesson in why patients are called patients-it takes patience to be a patient of Joe College. Dr., that is. Rah!
It made me reflect on other signs I have seen. In Durango at the end of Main Avenue, there is a sign that states dead end. And under it a sign saying no U turns. And to think that I saw it not on Mulberry Street! Eat here and get gas is a popular truck stop sign in the midwest, but hey I can get gas anywhere-even at home. And 30+ years ago Chevy sold a car called the Nova. And it failed in Mexico because no one in Detroit understood that Nova means "no go" in Spanish. And I don't understand why anyone would buy a car called Limited? See Nova. Don't we at least want our money's worth? "Why doesn't my car perform better?" "It's a Limited mam." Maybe it is like in Animal House when Belushi gives out pins. When he names Larry, Pinto, Pinto asks "why?" And Belushi answers "why not?" And perhaps there we are given an insight as to why things are like they are.
Like in Phillipsburg, there is a Firth Street. Does that mean the next street is Thecond? Thounds ok to me!
Names mean something. And when you read the genealogy after Adam, it tells a wonderful story. When someone asks why read the old testament, there is no salvation in it, refer them to Genesis 5. A perfect description of Jesus-told by generations, and by the men's names. Simply put, their names, in order means "Man appointed, subject to death. From the presence of God, one comes down, dedicated to die, to send to the poor and lonely-comfort and rest." A beautiful heritage, over hundreds of years, a precursor of Jesus. A perfect description of Him by name, and character. The gospel! In the beginning, or at least right after. Only God could do that!
So next time you meet a guy named Ford driving a Chevy, or a Harley riding a Honda, remember that God also has a sense of humor. After all He made you, and He knows your name. Do you know His? Try Genesis 5, and then the four gospels. Meet the wonderful counselor, the Prince of Peace, the begotten and unique Son of God-who came to seek and save. He calls you friend, and what a friend He is. The signs are all there, too. And no matter what you drive, or ride, you are welcome.
And I'll bet he knows Joe. Joe who? Joe momma! And all you other Joes, too. Seems His dad was called Joseph, too. Hey, wood that make him Joe Carpenter? No pun intended. Very simply put-Jesus the Christ. Yeshua. Master, savior. A name to know and remember. He said what he meant, and meant what He said-He is the Son of God, 100%! We could all use a little Jesus today.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com