Name Dropper

"Tell them you know me."

Wanting to have a Thanksgiving Dinner with a group of friends that we meet with every week, my bride came up with a great idea. "Go to Hy Vee and order a Thanksgiving Dinner for all of us. We can split the cost and that keeps it simple and easy." Why am I so blind to the obvious? A super idea that never occurred to me!

When I walked in the store, something did occur to me...I knew someone who had a direct line to the caterer! Thankfully, I brought my cell phone, made a quick call to my friend and was told the exact person to go to so that I could place my order to a green bean.

"Tell them that you know me."

Once I mentioned the name of our mutual friend, a page was made, the caterer was on the spot in a flash, and my order was complete within minutes. Amazing what name dropping can do! That is why I am now planning to show up at Arrowhead for the next Chief's game, walk straight to the Will Call window and tell the ticket agent that Len Dawson said to let me in and to seat me on the 50 yard line, pronto. When spring gets here, I plan to do the same at the newly renovated 'K'. I will say that George Brett sent me with the instruction that I am to be escorted to one of the new luxury sky boxes to enjoy Opening Day with all the other Royal's fans that could do no better than the Cheap Seats. Think that will work?

Maybe...only if I REALLY KNEW Len or George! Right now, I have a better chance of getting a break on a Turkey Dinner with the caterer than I do of getting caught on camera at either of the ball parks at the Truman Sports Complex!

I heard about a middle school student conducting a social experiment on her campus during the Presidential campaign. One day she wore "McCain Girl" hand painted in red on her shirt. Waiting and listening, making no response to comments by friends, classmates and teachers, she chronicled what was being said to her. The next day, she wore another hand painted T, this time in blue, with "Obama Girl" inscribed. Waiting for comment with pen in hand, she carefully recorded the responses of friends, classmates and teachers. Suffice to say that she learned some pretty telling lessons on her public school campus with the mentioning of a name!

"In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Acts 3:6

In back to back chapters in the Book of Acts (3-4), the name of Jesus is referred about 9 times in total. In reference to His name, a crippled man is fully healed, literally thousands are drawn into the knowledge of God, and some are even jealous to the point of blood red anger. The name of Jesus is so uniquely powerful and authoritative that something even more amazing than this physical miracle captivates the city...

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

The fact is that ordinary men do not have the ability or the power to make damaged people well. The truth is that to be delivered from sin, setbacks and stumbling blocks, a Deliverer is needed. Human ability and ingenuity, no matter how impressive, convincing and compelling falls short of breaking through and delivering us from our deepest needs. An Intercessor is necessary. An Advocate is essential. A Rescuer is is the only hope when you are dropped into (or fall into) the pits of life.

Although Peter and John were blue collar types, supposedly uneducated, ordinary and rough around the edges, there was no denying that they had the mojo going on. What had happened was so undeniable that even those of high brow bloodlines admitted the obvious; these guys had hung out with Jesus, (see Acts 4:13). His power was all over them. His authority had been conferred upon them. His presence and wisdom had saturated them. His name was being dropped by them...constantly and with life changing results.

"Tell them you know me."

That's really about all these apostles did. They spoke what they heard. They did as they were told. No matter if they were at the marketplace or the interrogation room, they attributed all the supernatural life change that brought thousands to wholeness to Jesus...and spoke His name in boldness as well as in reverence.

His name is where the deliverance is. His name is where the victory is. His name is where the power is. His name is where salvation is. And I bet you may even drop His name when you are talking to God one on one. If you came to God in the merit of your own name...well...you would have a better chance to getting into Arrowhead or the K dropping the names Len and George! Approach God today through the Name of Jesus, your Salvation Giver and daily Sustainer. Trust in His Name. Speak His name as a reminder of His great grace. Call upon His name. Stand up for His name.

Be a name dropper today. You might even get a good deal on a Turkey Dinner.