“James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”)”

There is something adoring about positive nicknames.  When someone is given a nickname it typically means they have reached a place of closeness that they have earned with the person who bestows it upon them.  Just look around and see who has been given nicknames by their bosses and leaders and you can begin to see those who are in the inner circle or in favor. It’s not always true, but in many cases it is because someone earned it, and more importantly, are also humble enough to accept it.  Let me state clearly though, derogatory nicknames are wrong. Giving someone a nickname to demean them, disparage or to cast them in some way that disadvantages them is bullying and hurtful  So, we should be cognizant of what we are doing to someone’s self-esteem before we bestow any nickname, even if we think it is being done admiringly.

Personally, I want to know Jesus well enough that one day He might share with me the nickname that He created for me.  If James and John could be given one, then why can’t we?  Here though is today’s question to ponder: What would we want that nickname to be and are we living to it?

Reference:  Mark 3:17 (New Living Translation)