“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”
Revelation 22:4
An elderly pastor in the African country of Malawi once told me a story about when the gospel first came to his country. A Dutch missionary had arrived from South Africa and shared the good news of Jesus Christ with countless people, including this pastor’s father. One man who came to Christ was named Namoni Katengeza.
Before Katengeza’s life came to its end, he would become a minister who was used by the Lord to build a solid foundation for the Malawian church. But the story is not about him. The Dutch missionary who was instrumental in bringing Katengeza to saving faith was, in time, on his own deathbed when he conveyed these instructions: “Give me no tombstone. Bury me at the feet of Katengeza.”
So there he was buried. He did not care whether he was known by men, for he was known already by God. As we continue in the book of Ruth, remember that we are not trying to make a name for ourselves. Ruth lived for that name; Naomi and Boaz did as well. The name of Jesus Christ is the “name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
Before Katengeza’s life came to its end, he would become a minister who was used by the Lord to build a solid foundation for the Malawian church. But the story is not about him. The Dutch missionary who was instrumental in bringing Katengeza to saving faith was, in time, on his own deathbed when he conveyed these instructions: “Give me no tombstone. Bury me at the feet of Katengeza.”
So there he was buried. He did not care whether he was known by men, for he was known already by God. As we continue in the book of Ruth, remember that we are not trying to make a name for ourselves. Ruth lived for that name; Naomi and Boaz did as well. The name of Jesus Christ is the “name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
Scripture Focus
Revelation 22:1-5
Insight
May every knee bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord … until we see His face and are known by His name forever.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 27-28
- Psalm 75
- John 17