Called by Name

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

A few weeks ago a wise, older lady I work with said something in passing I haven’t been able to shake. She was reading a passage of Scripture aloud, and came to one of those sections that list a bunch of impossible-to-pronounce names. But she didn’t skip over it, as I would’ve done. She read every name, then said this: “Isn’t it beautiful? We get their names. It’s not just a group of people. Yahweh knows their names.”

I’d never thought of those lists, especially the genealogies, as anything but a nuisance. But I have to tell you, they’re becoming some of my favorite parts of the Bible. How kind of the Holy Spirit to include those names, to remind us God doesn’t deal with us as a nameless mass. Yes, we’re part of a body and he works in families and communities, but he’s also very concerned with individuals. And what’s more, he knows us. He calls us by name.

When God thinks of me, it’s not just as “that girl.” He doesn’t lump me in with a group. No, when he calls, it’s so much more personal and tender than that. He says, “Erin Elizabeth Hill, you are mine.”

When I really think about that, when I stop to let it sink in, my fears don’t stand a chance. If he knows my name, the command to “fear not” suddenly has weight. Whatever it is going on in front of me or inside me, Almighty God sees it. What can I fear if I belong to him, if I can trust he cares for me personally?

By listing all those names, Scripture reminds us that God’s work is infinitely personal. He knows us, he redeems us, and he calls us by name.

Comments

  1. Elisabeth Lind - September 9, 2013 @ 9:35 am

    I just read the first chapters of 1 Chronicles this morning in my devotions…all genealogies. This is helpful to me as I was seeking for a way to make that redemptive to my day! :) And you did it! Thanks.

  2. Aunt Debbie - September 9, 2013 @ 11:07 am

    That really was powerful Erin.
    However, on a lark I did google you and found several Erin Elizabeth Hill women. In fact, one has an arrest record. Thank goodness a mug shot was also attached.
    Comforting to know He can distinguish us also by the number of hairs on our head. :-)

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