The Naming of Obedience

When raising children parents are always trying to teach them to do the right thing. They try to make their children aware of situations that could come up in their lives and how to correctly respond to them. Their hope is their children will do what is right and not what others may want them to do. Sometimes decisions are made that go against what God would want done, because of the fear of what others may think and this is what parents try to make their children aware of. Even for us adults, it can be a hard thing to do because we can give in to peer pressure and we should know better. Teaching kids to not give in to peer pressure is a good thing, and we also should be teaching that obeying God should be a top priority regardless of what others think. 

In Luke 1 there is a story told about a man named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. Zechariah and his wife had wanted to have a child for a long time and had been praying they would conceive and yet couldn’t. One day when Zechariah was in the temple doing his duties an angel appeared to him and told him that their prayers had been heard. The angel said Zechariah and his wife would have a son, and they were to name him John. The angel also told him what a blessing this child would be to them and how he would bring people to the Lord. Zechariah could hardly believe this since he and his wife were getting up in age and had prayed for so long with no child. The angel then closed his mouth so that he could not speak because of Zechariah's unbelief. 

Eventually, Elizabeth did become pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. All their neighbors and relatives were full of joy for her and for those people it was a sign that God had shown Elizabeth great mercy. On the eighth day, it became time to circumcise the child and the people with them wanted to name the child after his father Zechariah- most likely according to their custom. Elizabeth though said "No” to everyone and said his name was to be John, and all were in shock over what she had said. They said to her that there was no one among their relatives named that and they then looked at Zechariah and asked him what he wanted to name the child. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and he wrote “His name is John.” Immediately after this Zechariah’s mouth was opened by the Lord and he was again able to speak and began praising God. The Bible says that the neighbors and all those around their area were in awe and talking about what had happened.

For Zechariah and Elizabeth, there seemed to be a lot of pressure on them to name their child after his father. People I'm sure just assumed he would be named after his father because apparently, that is how things were done. When Elizabeth spoke up and said "No” they couldn’t believe it because it was going against what they were “supposed" to do. They probably were thinking "What is wrong with you Elizabeth- why are you going against the custom?" Then when Zechariah wrote what the child's name should be called and was able to speak, I bet they were even more in shock of what had happened.

Too often we allow ourselves to get caught up in doing what others think we should- what they think is right. We allow ourselves to make decisions that go against either what God has directly told us or even just against good ole’ common sense.

God does not owe us explanations about why He wants things done the way He does, He just expects us to do them. He had a specific reason for giving Zechariah and Elizabeth's son the name John- after all, he was going to be set apart for God and God's work, and his name would be different.

So while others think you must do what is “Expected” only do what is required from God. Do what God has told you and let Him handle the rest- even if it means letting Him also handle the “People” around you. He knows what is best and all you must do is be obedient. Others may not like or understand your decisions, but it’s not them you answer to-its God- always remember that!

Sometimes God will ask us to do something that will even shock those around us and they will think we are wrong- all because it is different from what they think is right. One thing is for sure and that is God is a God who is not conformed to doing things the way the world thinks He should. He does them how He sees fit despite how others think they should be done.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were obedient to what God had told them to name their child and that was the final answer for them no matter what any one of their neighbors or relatives thought. People, again I'm sure were confused by it, but in the end, it did not matter. In the end, it wasn't even about a name, but rather about the miracle that took place the day when Zechariah could speak again, and the wonder of the baby born named John.

So again, whatever God has asked you to do- do it. It does not matter if people think you are wrong or even crazy, because they are not the ones that you serve. You serve the Lord Jesus Christ and He is the only one that matters. Also, remember that when you do things Gods way that is when the true blessings come and they will last for an eternity.

From Gardens of Splendor by Gina Burns