Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, September 21, 2015
Jesus Mafa, Woman at the-Well,
Unknown African artist
Center. The Messiah is Born!
One of the vivid images I remember from Christmas-time in my childhood is that of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Linus answers Charlie Brown’s question, “Does anybody really know what Christmas is all about?” Linus repeats part of the Christmas narrative from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke. The annunciation to the shepherds.
Linus quoted the King James Version of Luke; I would like to use the New International Version of the Bible. Luke 2:10: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” My word—Name of God for today is Messiah.
As I used Centering Prayer today, with “Messiah” as my focusing word, my mind flitted between Luke 2 and John 4, and tended to remain on John 4. But back to Luke 2.
What did the angel say to the shepherds? A Savior has been born. The Messiah. The Lord. The Messiah is a Hebrew title for “anointed one.” This Savior, this Anointed One is special. The special-est special of ever. Of all time.
While trying to center, my mind flitted to John 4, where the Rabbi Jesus talks with the Samaritan woman at the well. Verses 25 and 26: “25 The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ 26 Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you—I am He.’”
I realized that Jesus was not only called Messiah by others, but He was claiming that Name for Himself. Savior. Lord. Messiah—Anointed One. Yes, I probably had had that insight in the past, but it came to me afresh today. Anew. With deep conviction. Praise God.
Dear Lord, Messiah Jesus, thank You for this insight. Yes, I probably did figure it out in the past, but my memory is not what it used to be. So, I forget some stuff. Thanks for reminding me of it, again. This is an awesome insight. Praise to Your name.
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