‘Suppose people heap insults on you because of the name of Christ. Then you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory … rests on you.’ (1 Peter 4:14).
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, send us your Holy Spirit to rest on us and open our ears to hear your preached Word. Glorify your Word in our hearts. In the power of Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
School can be a time when we are introduced to name calling. What are some of the names that you remember from the school yard? Dibber-dobber, teacher’s pet, scaredy-cat. One of the names that bullies called me at high school was “Quack.” During the first few years of high school I was awarded Dux — first in the class. The word “Dux” sounds like the animal “ducks,” so whenever I’d walk passed these bullies, they would quack at me. It’s somewhat amusing now, but at the time it certainly wore me down.
The recipients of Peter’s letter were also called names. Peter implies that one of the names they were being called was “Christian.” He writes, ‘Suppose people heap insults on you because of the name of Christ.’ (1 Peter 4:14). Then a bit later, ‘If you suffer as a Christian …’ (1 Peter 4:16). See, the label “Christian” was never self-designated, it wasn’t a name that followers of Jesus called themselves. It was a derogatory term, a name used by bullies to label and belittle. It basically means “little Christ” or “Christ’s lackey” (a lackey is a lowly servant). The world heaped insults on these “Christians,” as if pouring a bucket of cold water on their head. As the Psalmist writes, ‘The insults of those who insult you [meaning God], fall on me’ (Psalm 69:9). These Romans didn’t like Christ as a god, so they heaped insults on his followers. The insults fell on these “Christians.”
During his ministry, Jesus was also called many names. Jesus had insults heaped on him too. “Blasphemer.” “Beelzebul, the prince of demons.” “Troublemaker.” Ultimately, Jesus was labelled a “criminal,” or “rebel,” and crucified.
38 Two rebels were crucified with [Jesus]. One was on his right and one was on his left. 39 Those who passed by shouted at Jesus and made fun of him. They shook their heads 40 and said, … “Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders made fun of him. 42 “He saved others,” they said. “But he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross!” … 44 In the same way the rebels who were being crucified with Jesus also made fun of him. (Matthew 27:38–44).
Hundreds of people heaped insults upon Jesus. We know that Jesus prayed the psalms. So when we imagine him praying Psalm 69 it takes on new meaning: “The insults of those who insult you, fall on me” (Psalm 69:9). On the cross, Christ takes on his shoulders all the insults concerning God.
The world still labels people and calls them names today. I wonder: what names does the world call you?
- “Non-essential” — In these times of pandemic, some people have been labelled “non-essential.” Such “non-essential” workers must stay at home, while other “essential” workers can still go to the office or place-of-work.
- “Elderly” — Some governments seem to have labelled those aged 70+ as “elderly and expendable.” They have chosen a way of dealing with the pandemic that seems to put those labelled as “elderly” at high risk. Thankfully the Australian government has said that all life is equal and important, and has tried to make policy guided by this principle.
- “Failure” — Perhaps, by the world’s standards, you have been called and labelled a “failure.” Perhaps your annual salary is less than the national average. Perhaps you can’t break into the housing market. Perhaps you’re not academic.
- “Childish” — In some circles, belief in the supernatural or divine means that you are “childish,” “foolish” or “naïve.” Such people tell us that Christians believe in fairytales, like children.
What names have you been or are you called by the world?
Here is the twist: St Peter says, ‘Suppose people heap insults on you because of the name of Christ. Then you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory … rests on you.’ (1 Peter 4:14). Being called names and labelled a “Christian” is actually a blessing! See, being a “Christian” means you are being given the name of Christ. You are being insulted with his name. Yet ‘God exalted Christ to the highest place, and gave him the name that is above every name’ (Philippians 2:9). So when you bear his name, you too are ‘seated with him in the heavenly realms’ (Ephesians 2:6). One day ‘at the name of Jesus every knee will bow … and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord’ (Philippians 2:10–11).
St Peter says that being insulted because of Christ is a blessing because ‘the Spirit of glory rests on you’ (1 Peter 4:14). This is a reference to Isaiah chapter 11: ‘A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 9:1–2). When the world heaps insults upon Jesus, or you, what actually happens is the Spirit of glory comes to rest on him and you. The insults are turned into glory. The shame is turned into honour.
God gives you his name in baptism. You are baptized: “In the name of the Father, and the name of the Son, and name of the Holy Spirit.” God’s name is given to you, the Spirit of glory is heaped upon you and rests on you. God stamps his name on your feet, saying “You are mine!” And then God calls you all sorts of new names. He calls you: “Holy.” “Redeemed.” “Precious.” “Chosen.” “Royalty.” “His special possession.” “Free.” “Blessed.” These names that God calls you are what matters, not the names the world tries to label you with. And because God gives these names on account of Jesus, you are called to eternal glory.
Challenge: so my challenge to you this week is to take note of the names and labels you use. Catch yourself when you use mean names or label others. Try to call people with names that God uses. Your children driving you up the wall are “holy.” Your angry friend on Facebook is “precious.” The Christian brother or sister whom you disagree with is “God’s special possession.”
You are a “Christ-ian” — a servant of Christ. You bear his name. At times this means you will be insulted. But the insults of those who insult you fall upon Christ as he is crucified. And God has honoured Jesus’ name above all names. His name is Wonderful. Because you bear his name, because God’s name is stamped on you at baptism, you are blessed, and called to eternal glory. Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Amen.
