Michael's 14th Birthday!

My firstborn of three and only son, Michael Benjamin Paschal Wermuth, turned 14 on the third day of this month. How swiftly time moves, or as a friend of mine recently posted on the internet: "Dates on the calendar are closer than they appear!"

Michael's names are rich with meaning, as is he. His first name, Michael, means (from three Hebrew words: Mi, Ka, and El) of course, "Who is like God (Elohim)?" Benjamin is also Hebrew-based, meaning "Son of my right hand." And, while most of us don't have four names, it seemed appropriate not only to honor Michael's maternal grandmother, Sarah, via her maiden name Paschal, it also helps complete a significant part of the "story" of his entire multi-parted name. You see, "Paschal" also derives from the Hebrew word "Pesach," meaning "passover."

Concluding with Michael's surname, Wermuth—coming from German roots and meaning "wormwood" (one of the bitterest herbs)—his entire name actually carries a Gospel message! For, who is like God, except the Son of His right hand (Jesus Christ), who was and is the One who, as the "Paschal Lamb," has become our Passover—His blood for ours, offered far beyond the "wormwood and the gall"—dying for our sins, yet being raised up again for our eternal life!

As he already has—even at (only) 14—Michael will continue to experience many changes in his life. My confidence and encouragement is in knowing that as we are "sons" of the heavenly Father, Michael is his earthly Dad's son, and always will be. He is a "covenant" child in God's sovereignly administered kingdom. I love him very much and pray and entrust him to God for His best for him.

Where the paschal blood is poured,
Death's dark angel sheathes his sword;
Israel's hosts triumphant go
Through the wave that drowns the foe.
Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,
Paschal Victim, Paschal Bread;
With sincerity and love
Eat we manna from above.

["At the Lamb's high feast we sing" — Original Trinity Hymnal, #365, v. 2]