Your Name

 

Picking a name for a child can be a very daunting task. Some may want to have the child named after a family member, or some may think the child’s name will be a huge factor in who he becomes; still others may argue for weeks before a name is finally agreed upon. Names are important, but what is ironic is the fact that we are more known by our

numbers. “Give me the last four digits of your social security number.”  “What is your account number?”  “Is this the best number to get in touch with you?” The list goes on and on about the numbers that are associated with us.  It becomes a question; am I just a number to God? The answer to that question is a resounding no. We are not just a number; we have such an intimate relationship with Jesus that He knows us by name and even knows how many hairs are on our head.

Ps 147:4 states, “He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.” God knows exactly how many stars there are in this ever-expanding universe and He calls each one of them by name, and we are of greater value than the stars. The prophet Isaiah stated this in Isa 43:1, “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” God has called us by name to belong to Him and be a part of the family of God. He didn’t call us by a number but by our name. 

This aspect of a name was important to the apostle John. In John 10:2-5 he recorded that Jesus mentioned that a shepherd knows his sheep and calls them by name and they follow him for they know his voice. Later on, in that chapter, Jesus says that He is the good Shepherd and He gives His life for the sheep and He knows them and they know Him.

As John ended his third letter, he makes this statement which should show us his concern for names. He states in the end of 3 John:14, “Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.” God knows our name and we should put forth maximum effort to remember people’s names. Greet the friends by name and don’t just say buddy or pal or brother. Names are important to God so it should be important to us as well.

 

Pastor Marty