The "Odd Ball"

Odd by definition means not having a fit or being without a corresponding mate. When we hear the term "odd ball" most of us think of people or things that stand out because they are different. Listen to the birth of John the Baptist again.

Everyone gathers to celebrate God's blessing upon Elizabeth. At the time of circumcision, they plan to give him a name. Elizabeth says name him John. She is immediately confronted by family members and friends. They say, "you don't have any one in your family with that name". Basically they are trying to figure out why Elizabeth is breaking family tradition and naming this child John. They therefore turn to Zechariah hoping that he will be sensible and help Elizabeth do what is right. They ask Zechariah, her husband, who has been made silent by God because he didn't believe that Elizabeth would become pregnant. Zechariah then writes down that this boys name will be John. This is strange. No one in the family has had this name, yet they make the choice because of what they know. He is definitely going to be an "odd ball" in the family. He will stand out because his name doesn't fit. His parents however are clear on his purpose. They know that John has been born to be an "odd ball" to accomplish the purpose of God.

Are you willing to be the "odd ball" to accomplish the purpose of God? Are you willing to go against your family norms and traditions because you know that God has a calling on your life? John was blessed with parents who understood the call on his life. Even if you didn't have parents who understood or understand the calling on your life, you can still live an "odd ball" life for Jesus.

Choose today to be an "odd ball". People may question you and family members may reject you, but when you know that God has called you to live an "odd ball" life, it is worth it.

Created 5 months ago