It has been said that the sweetest sound to anybody’s ears is his or her own name. My name defines me and identifies me to people. I used to ask my sons when they were children if they liked their names; and they would always say yes. I would also ask them if they wanted to change their names and what name they would choose; and they would always answer no, they loved their names. Today, I ask the same questions of my grandchildren and I get the same answers.
I say the name Anabelle and the beautiful image of love incarnated in my life immediately comes to mind; and I am filled with all the wonderful moments we have shared together from the first time we met till our walk together yesterday morning. I say a friend’s name and I immediately see a familiar face and remember the joys and challenges we ave gone through together.
Names are not just tags to identify people. Nor are they just labels to remember them by. Names convey all that a person is, has been and the potential that is still waiting to be unleashed within. When I speak out a name, I love to feel it on my tongue and in so doing relish the gift of the person who goes by that name. I also truly appreciate it when people say my name with affection, respect, caring and love.
God also knows me by name. From all eternity, He has my name etched in the palm of His hand. These words from Him are very comforting: “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1-2
“Lord, you have called me by name and I belong to you. I wll call on the name of Jesus that God may abide in my life forever.”
Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted
and they came to him.
He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,
that they might be with him
and he might send them forth to preach
and to have authority to drive out demons:
He appointed the Twelve:
Simon, whom he named Peter;
James, son of Zebedee,
and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges,
that is, sons of thunder;
Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,
Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus;
Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean,
and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
Mark 3:13-19