I have recently been listening through a sermon series over the different people in the Bible whom God called their name twice in a row: “Jacob, Jacob” … “Martha, Martha” … “Saul, Saul” … “Samuel, Samuel” … etc.
I have been thinking a lot about being called by name.
How often are you called by name?
Hubby and I were at MOD Pizza this past weekend and the worker asked for our name as he started to make our pizza. Our name was written on the paper liner … and when our deliciously cooked pizza came out of the pizza oven, we were “called by name”!
I went to the dentist recently. I was “called by name” by the dental assistant to go back with her and have my teeth cleaned.
About a month ago I went to have my blood drawn for a routine blood panel. I was “called by name” by the lab tech so I could go back and have a needle stuck in my arm.
When we were younger and in school we were “called by name” by our teachers. This wasn’t necessarily any more pleasant than being “called by name” for a dental cleaning or a blood draw. Being “called by name” meant we had to have been paying attention and know the correct answer to the question, or else we would look stupid in front of all our classmates.
Have you ever pondered the times when you are “called by name” twice in a row?
Back in March, when I was with my friend for her pre-op appointments before her spine surgery, we were in the waiting area at the doctor’s office. We were chatting and did not hear when the Medical Assistant popped out the door and “called her by name.” Hence, my friend was “called by name” twice in a row.
Another example of being “called by name” twice in a row: When hubby orders a Starbucks Carmel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino for me and for himself. The barista walks over to the counter with a drink in each hand. She reads off hubby’s name from the one cup … then takes a look at the other cup and reads off hubby’s name again. “Called by name” … twice in a row!
As I was listening to the recent online sermon of God calling Samuel by name, it struck me that God calls me by name too!
This thought blew my mind!
In our world today, we are only ever “called by name” if we have paid for something (pizza or Starbuck, etc.). This is about the only time we are ever “called by name” in a good situation.
Most often we are “called by name” due to an unpleasant situation – having our blood drawn, dental cleanings, medical appointments, coworkers at work yelling at us or coming to us with some huge problem for us to solve, etc. …
Recently, over Easter weekend, hubby and I flew to the other side of the country. I was “called by name” as the airline worker scanned my ticket so I could board the airplane. He “called me by name” and said “Thank you. Welcome aboard.”
Hearing my name called, combined with “Thank you” made me feel special. As I walked down the jetway to get on the airplane I felt warm and fuzzy and happy. I was called by name and thanked … it made me feel like I was special and like I mattered.
I was surprised how powerful this was!
God calls each of us by name.
Think of the person who loves you the most. Think of them calling you by name. Think of the love you feel when you hear them call you by name. Think of the safety and security and acceptance you feel when you hear them call you by name.
Think how you can pour out your heart to them without reservation and they are there to help you … that person who loves you the most and calls you by name.
Think how they are there for you in your lowest times, encouraging you and helping you to keep going … that person who loves you the most and calls you by name.
Think how they are there for you when life is at its hardest and you don’t know how you are going to make it one more day … and that person who loves you the most calls you by name and says you will make it one more day. And you do make it one more day … because they love you and are there for you.
This right here is what it looks like when God calls us by name.
This right here is what it looks like when Jesus (our Good Shepherd) calls us (his little sheep) by name.
We don’t have to pay anything in order to receive goodness from God. We don’t have to worry about God yelling at us or condemning us. We don’t have to worry about looking stupid or being belittled.
When God calls us by name it is 100% love!
You are called by name!
God calls you and me personally by name and says: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” – Jeremiah 1:5
God calls us by name and says: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;” – Isaiah 43:1-2
God love you!
God calls you by name.
Made For More (Live) – Bethel Music, Josh Baldwin, feat. Jenn Johnson
