Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine.”
          Jesus said of a good shepherd, “The sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” Then he told the disciples, “I am the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine,” (John 10:3).
          What a precious thought! My Jesus knows me by my name. I’m not a number, not a symbol, not just one in a series. I belong to Him and He knows my name. What joy and what security! Indeed, this is my point of identity and the basis for my self-esteem. Ah, sweet fellowship for I am His and He is mine!
         Blessed Shepherd, the comfort of knowing that you know me by name is beyond all measure. When I feel insignificant and afraid, let me hear Your voice tenderly calling and find security in knowing that I am Yours and You are mine.
By Ann Shorb
(c)Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

          In the Bible, God gave new names to a few people.  These new names marked the beginning of a new calling, or a promise God gave to that person.    II Corinthians 5:17 says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, all things are become new.”    We don’t have to listen to our old names, rather live by the promise that God has given us a new name.  Maybe your new name is “beloved,” or “beautiful,” or “princess.”   Isaiah 62:2-3,  “you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.  You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.”

  Joyce Hayes
Artist-in-residence at America’s Keswick