I preached this morning at the India Gospel League church in Ayodyapattinam (say that six times really fast). As we arrived the people were gathered and singing. I was shown to the front and took a seat behind the pulpit area. After several songs and a prayer I was told by my interpreter Pastor Benjamin that they had scheduled a baby dedication during the service.
A short time later, a young father and mother stepped forward with the most precious little girl. Olive skin and dark eyes, she was dressed in the most beautiful frilly little lace dress. She was around 6 months old.
The church pastor introduced the family and was making some comments in their native tongue of Tamil. He stopped at one point and spoke to my interpreter Pastor Benjamin. I will never forget what was then said to me, “The parents have not yet named this child. They desire that she have a Christian name and they want you to name her.” I looked at Benny and said, “Name her.. As in the name she will have for the rest of her life?” “Yes,” he replied. I was taken back not only by the request but by the amazing privilege that was being afforded to me. After a moment or two I said, “Call her Elizabeth… Give her the name Elizabeth. May she grow to be a godly woman like Elizabeth in the Bible.” I will never forget watching that mother look at her baby and calling her by name for the first time… The name I had just chosen for this child. I was moved to tears. I then had the privilege of embracing that family, laying my hand upon that precious little head and prayerfully dedicating her to the Lord. Oh what an amazing sense of God’s presence there was.
I finished the prayer of dedication and then sat back down in my seat. I must admit I was still a bit overwhelmed. I checked out of the service and entered into worship. I prayed silently. “Lord, there is no reason why this tremendous honor should be bestowed to me. Thank you Father for this blessing of ministry. O Lord, Your grace is still so amazing.”
More than likely I will never see little Elizabeth again this side of heaven. I know this, I will never forget that moment! Watching that mother call her baby by name for the first time, how could anyone possibly ever forget that. My prayer forward is that God will protect her and keep her. And when it is time, I pray she will find her place in the Kingdom. And one day before the throne of God, I will once again embrace Elizabeth. But on that day, she and I will share something new…the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself will give to both of us a new name.. A heavenly name..that is already written down in glory! Oh glory to His name!
God bless you Elizabeth!
