Called by Name

As an educator in adult learning, there is one thing that you can do to get a person's attention and have that person engage in a classroom. It is calling that person by name. It has often been said that the sweetest sound to the human ear is hearing one's name. I know when I call out to even our dogs, they respond to their names. When I am in a store and I use a person's name to address him or her, that person responds in a friendlier fashion. It shows them that you cared enough to read a name tag and address them as individuals.

When our Heavenly Father created us, He did not just create a species or race of human beings that were generic. Each one is special and each has a name that is unique. When He speaks to us, He speaks to each of us as individuals. We are treated with a love that we cannot fathom and it is because of that personal relationship that we are able to be His.

In the book of Isaiah, God calls His people and tells them that they are special to Him. However, there is one particular verse that should ring clearly in our minds and hearts about how special His children really are. He calls us by name and when we are called by Him, we belong to Him.

It is comforting to realize that God with His infinite power and wisdom thinks about each of us as individuals and knows us by name.

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.

    O Israel, the one who formed you says,

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

    I have called you by name; you are mine.  Isaiah 43:1 (NLT)