Devotions with Nell Ritchey

“…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20a.

As many of you know, I have a new grandson! Ransom Jude McIntosh Ritchey. Baby Ransom has a witnessing name! What a blessing. I’m sure his parents will train him in how to use his name, along with every other opportunity that presents itself, to talk to people about Jesus. But Gaga (that’s me!) gets to use it, too.

Ransom was born on a Saturday, and the next day, Resurrection Sunday, Bill and I went to dinner at a relative’s home. Of course the new baby was a topic of conversation, and a distant relative asked what his name was. When I told him, Steve said, “Jude is a Bible name, isn’t it?” “Yes, it is,” I answered, “And so is Ransom.” He looked puzzled, so I continued, “Well, it isn’t a Bible name, but it is a Bible word.” I then explained that when Jesus died on the cross, he ransomed us from our sins. And Steve got it! He didn’t fall on his knees and accept Christ as his Savior, but he clearly understood. And I believe that was all that was needed that day, in that setting. I am convinced that the next believer to step into Steve’s life can build on that new understanding and use it to lead him one step closer to Jesus. Paul said, “I planted the seed; Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (I Cor. 3:6) Wouldn’t it be amazing if I get to see Steve in heaven, partly because of that small contact?

I don’t have a witnessing name. Although I never thought about it before, I am kind of sad about that today. Evangelism is not my spiritual gift, but that doesn’t let me off the hook when it comes to witnessing. I am trying to develop the habit of listening for conversational openings in order to insert a word or two for Jesus. As believers, we are all responsible to the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20).
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Blessings!
Nell Ritchey