A Renamed People Set Apart

Scripture: Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.” Acts 11:35-36

Observation: While there have been gentile believers already, we see here that it was Barnabas who first truly began targeting the gospel to the gentiles, and who got Paul to help. We know the term "Christians" is Greek for "little Christs", but there is another reason - both practical and biblical - for introducing this (now universal) term for believers.

When the Lord set apart a people for himself, he gave them a name. He first changed the name of Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah. However, once he was prepared to expand the family to truly become his chosen nation ... a nation set apart, established to demonstrate the Lord to other nations, and blessed to be a blessing ... he changed Jacob's name, and thus established them as Israel. From this, their nationality was also known as the Hebrews or Jews, but in all manner they were now defined by a name that told others there was something special about their relationship with Yahweh.

And now, in the first place where Greeks and gentiles are becoming believers in Jesus in significant numbers, they receive a name that tells others there is something special about their relationship with Jesus. They are not just "believing Greeks" anymore. Nor are they Messianic Jews ... the term still used for Jews who believe in Jesus. Gentiles who believe in Jesus have a special name. This is a name that ... sets us apart, established to demonstrate Jesus to other people, and blessed to be a blessing.

Application: I am so frustrated and angry with myself for behaving as if I am NOT set apart! Every day, I behave as if I'm just another American, with the same problems, hopes, and ambitions as everyone. However, the Lord himself gave me a name with a purpose. I am part of a special people group ... Christians, not Americans. I am personally an adopted son of the Lord most high, creator of the universe.

Behaving like a Christian does not - cannot - mean "acting like a good person". It MUST mean "NOT acting like the nations around me", just like it was supposed to mean for Israel. Just as the Lord has always done, he designated us with a new name to define his dedicated people-group. I need to start taking that seriously.

Prayer: Lord, again today I ask for your forgiveness. I am sinful and prideful and self-centered. Please forgive my sins of both action and thought, and continue to work into me a softer heart. And I add to this, please guide me in truly becoming a person set apart, part of your special nation, defined by actions that are different than the unbelieving people all around, so that our light will shine all the brighter. Amen.