He Knows Your Name
But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1
In their never-ending quest to increase market share, advertisers will go to great efforts to get your business. One thing they have concluded is that the most attention-grabbing word potential customers and clients react to is their own name. Thus, a television channel in the UK has introduced personalized ads with their online streaming services.
Yet while we might enjoy hearing our name on TV (Your one minute of fame!), whether this is a truly effective marketing strategy is still up for debate. Critics suggest that anonymous “name-dropping” doesn’t mean much since it lacks true intimacy.
But when we know that the one who speaks our name actually cares for us, that makes a world of difference.
Her name.
Mary Magdalene discovered the power of that on Easter morning.
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). (John 20:11-16)
Mary’s attention was grabbed when she heard her Lord gently speak her name. With that single word, she turned in recognition to the One she had followed so faithfully and loved so deeply.
What a moment! Hearing her name changed everything.
Your name.
Although Mary shared a unique relationship with Jesus, we can have full confidence that hers is not the only name He knows. Our Lord knows the names of all the redeemed. He knows your name as well.
Our Lord knows the names of all the redeemed. He knows your name as well.
Can you imagine hearing Jesus say it? “Tom.” “Mary.” “Keith.” “Sharon.” Your name – spoken with tenderness, with urgency, with forgiveness… with the reminder that you are personally known and deeply cherished.
Can you imagine hearing Jesus say Your name – spoken with tenderness, with urgency, with forgiveness… with the reminder that you are personally known and deeply cherished?
The fact that He knows your name changes everything, doesn’t it? It underscores your identity when you struggle for self-worth. It emphasizes your hope when you wrestle with despair. And it reminds you that even when you fail, He is quick to restore.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Turn to Him.
Song-writer Tommy Walker has put this truth into musical form. “He Knows My Name” has become one of my favorite worship choices.
Take a moment to let the truth of the lyrics and the beauty of the music (click for video) wash over you today.
Mary may not have ever heard this song, but she knew its truth. You can too, loved one…you can too.
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call
Prayer:
Lord, I thrill at the glorious future that is mine because of Your resurrection. I can’t wait to see you face to face and hear you warmly say my name. Until then, remind me that you know it…and me.
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