I first posted this devotion about this time last year. I thought it was worth sharing again with a few minor updates and alterations.

Cheryl and I started attending worship at the church where I served as pastor for over thirty years after an almost three-year absence. We intentionally stayed away until they had their next full-time pastor. They had a transitional pastor for two years, and a few guys who served briefly as pulpit supply/vacancy pastors before Pastor David Edge was installed in February of 2023. I told him we wanted him to have some time to settle in before we started attending worship services again. He graciously said we could come back at any time, but we stayed away another three months. At the end of May I met with him and asked if it would be okay for us to start attending, and he welcomed us. We still travel quite a bit, so we are not there every Sunday, but it has been a joy for us to be back with our church family.

At the time we returned, the congregation is in the process of making new name badges for all of their members. Pastor Dave asked me what I wanted on my name badge. He wondered if it should read “Pastor Mattil.” My response was “Just Mike will be fine.” You can see the badge I received in the picture.

I love my Pastor’s sense of humor. I proudly wear my name badge and have had quite a few conversations about it.

When I saw that badge, I was reminded of a hymn based on this passage:

John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

The hymn was written by Charlotte Elliot in 1834. I think you may have heard of it.

Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.                                                                    

Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my sould of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.  

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am; Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down.
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

The Lutheran Hymnal #388

I love  name badge. I continue to wear it as a reminder that I am “just Mike” and there is nothing special about me. But Jesus, who lived and died and rose again for me, will welcome, pardon, cleanse and relieve me.  My pastor now calls me “Mike the Just” which is also a reminder of who I an in Christ. I live securely in that promise. I am happy to be Just Mike.