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Rich was asked to preach at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Caseville, MI, on December 31, 2004. 

“What is your name?”

Sermon:

“What is your name?”

 
Text: Numbers 6:27
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Caseville, MI
December 31, 2004
 
We pray, “Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you. Amen.”
 
Grace, mercy and peace be with you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus, Amen.
 
The text is the Old Testament reading, particularly verse 27: “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
 
“What is your name?”
 
My name is Rich Cohrs – yes, I was born rich – handsome had to come later.
 
My wife was born at home with her Aunt acting as a midwife. When she was born she was given the name Arlene, however, when her Aunt presented her to her daddy, she was very pale – except for pink ears and a pink nose. Her daddy said, “She is as cute as a Bunny” – and she was known as Bunny ever since.
 
This past week I was able to spend in Denver with my son’s family – especially my Granddaughter – Abby. I would sit with her on my lap and we would talk – I would ask, “What is your name?” and she would answer, “Abby” (I would ask her how old she was and she would say “Two” and I would say “No” and she would say “One”)
 
Abby will have a brother or sister in May. The kids want to be surprised. I asked them what names they have picked and they are at a loss – they can’t decide on any names they both like.
 
Mary didn’t have that problem. When the angel Gabriel announced to her that she would become the mother of our Lord he said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name, Jesus.”
Yes, and after His birth, Mary and Joseph brought their child to the temple and Him Jesus.
 
Our name is very important to us. Our name identifies us – sets us apart – tells the world who we are. My grandmother used to tell me that it did not matter how much fame or fortune I might accumulate in life – my good name was the most important thing I could have. Our name tells the world who we are.
 
Who are you? Most often this question is answered first by the giving of our name. If we are asked, “Who are you?” sometimes we do not think of our name, but of our occupation – our job title – (it seems as if men, especially, think of work) For example, I am principal of Christ the King Lutheran School. I was Manager of North America Volunteer Opportunities for Lutheran Hour Ministries. In my position with Lutheran Hour, I would do a lot of traveling – and I would sit with strangers in airport lounges waiting for flights. Sometimes I would start a conversation - with the easiest conversation starter being, “What do you do?” Then, depending on the person, I would be able to pass the time quickly as I was told about the aspects of the person’s job. (I would always seek out people with laptops) Sometimes I would try to guess a person’s job or circumstances. I would sit and watch people.
 
One day I was waiting for my wife to pick me up at the airport. I would read a little – watch people a little – read – watch, etc. Then a very beautiful lady entered the room. She was a stunning blonde – the sunlight lit her hair – giving her a look of radiance. She was the most attractive woman I ever saw. Her make-up was perfect – accentuating her large blue eyes – her outfit was stunning. I glanced over the book I was reading in order to not be so obvious as I followed her every move. Soon I had to look away - she was coming towards me – I didn’t know what to do so I buried my head into my book. Then she was standing right in front of me, “Hi dear!” It was Bunny! When I left on Friday she was a brunette – when I returned she was a stunning blonde. Her friend and she had a makeover while I was gone – hair, make-up, clothes –
 
Who are you? We often define ourselves with a family position. I was Bunny’s husband. I am also a Father and now a O’Pa. I started out as a son – grandson – nephew. Later I became an Uncle – then an in-law. I have many family names. One name I just received was “widower”. 
 
As Bunny and I talked the day before she would enter the hospital – I asked her to forgive that which I did to make her angry. She responded, “There is nothing to forgive.” I was perplexed, for I knew that I had made her angry just the day before. So I pushed on – I asked her for forgiveness. She responded, “There is nothing to forgive.” I then pushed again – she responded, “OK, then forgive me.” I then got it. There was nothing to forgive. I forgave her even as she was making me mad. She the same with me.
 
As I stood at the visitation, I learned that I was part of an even bigger family – the Christian family. My family was there – that was indeed a great comfort, but there were hundreds of others – church members, former students, neighbors, coworkers and friends. These people gathered around me – comforting and helping. They are part of the family of God – Christians! 
 
Yes – we are Christians – when we are asked “Who are you?” we can boldly say – We are Christians!
 
Christians – this identifies us by our job – (Go ye therefore...) – our family position – we are children of God – we are set apart – we are special.
 
As we stand on the verge of a new year – we can take comfort in knowing that that which was past is past – it is gone. We are Christ’s own. He has taken upon Himself that which would separate us from Him – sin.
 
I was able to travel to Israel this past month. The trip was one that changed me – for the Bible came alive. I was able to sit in the Garden of Gethsemane – put my hand on the rock that Christ prayed upon – feel my sorrow over my lost and imagine what His sorrow was over those He would loose – those that turn their back on Him.  I was able to climb Calvary – put my hand on the rock of the hill that the cross was placed – the rock that was stained with His blood – that was shed for me and you – I was able to walk into the tomb – see it empty – see the banner over the shelf – “Aneste Christos” – He is Risen! What joy that brought!
 
I was changed – for my priorities have changed – now it is most important to have everyone know Christ! For it is Christ that saves. It is Christ that conquered death – it is Christ that brings peace.
 
So – my resolution is – “Each person I meet will know who I am – I am Christ’s.” I pray that all that I do and say will point to Christ as Savior – as the name above all names.
 
Who are you?
 
 
The Lord said to Moses. “Tell Aaron and his sons, “This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
 
So they will put my name on the Israelites and I will bless them.
 
May you be blessed.
 
Amen.


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