Lent Day 17: Names

Lent Day 17: Names

I go to the coolest church. No, really I do. At my church, we have Blessings and Miracles. I know most churches have blessings and miracles, but our Blessings and Miracles are families. We even have a Gentile family. I remember one Sunday that Pastor pointed out that there was a pew full of Blessings and Miracles. What’s really cool is that being around these people leaves one truly with a sense of Blessings and Miracles. And the Gentiles really are.

Naming a child is huge responsibility. I remember the hours poring over name books when I was pregnant. I wanted them to have names that they could grow into. I’ll admit, when I hear some of the names chosen these days, it makes me sad. It’s as if the only consideration is oddity and shock value.

That being said, I’m not sure I would have been happy if I was Jacob (supplanter or heel grabber) or Esau (red and hairy). Or imagine going through life as Jabez, whose name means pain. Thankfully, I haven’t heard of any Jezebels or Ahaz lately.

How do you feel when someone calls out your name? I always knew when I was in trouble because my mother would use my middle name. My husband has names for me that only he uses. My immediate family and very close friends call me something special. When I am addressed that way there’s something in my heart that just instantly softens. And there’s just nothing like one of the grandbabies running at me and shouting “Mema!”

This reminded of what Jesus said John 10:3: “The gate keeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

The Father knows your name. He whispers it when you’re frightened. He calls to you, wanting to lead to the green pastures and calm streams. He shouts it when you’re headed toward trouble. He has a sweet, special name for you. Sometimes he will change your name, giving you a name you can grow into one that will glorify him.

Have you heard him call your name? Have you been listening?