Recently I was reminded of one of my favorite scenes from the movie, Jingle All the Way. At the climax of the story, a young boy who was feeling forgotten by his father watched a parade with a downcast spirit. At that moment, the comic hero in the parade, Turboman, chooses to give a gift to one of the many children lining the streets. They are all shouting, “Me! Me! Pick me! Pick me!”
The little boy has no idea that his father is actually the one dressed in the Turboman costume and mask. At that moment, Turboman points to this little boy and calls out his name, “Jamie.” The lad was stunned and, at first, speechless. Then, in awe the young Jamie proclaims, “He knows my name.” It is a powerful moment.
He knows my name!
This reminds me of the scene from the Bible when Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty tomb, weeping for Jesus.
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). John 20:13-16
I think in similar fashion, Mary thought to herself, “He knows my name!”
Have you ever wondered if names are important to God? If so, just read the first 12 chapters of 1 Chronicles in the Bible. Recently while reading these chapters, I noticed the numerous names and contemplated the reason that God included those lists. The Bible records the names of people. Some are well-known like David, Solomon, and Joshua and others are lesser-known like Abishai, Jeiel, and Nahshon. But, all are known by God. I determined that names are people, and people are precious to God. Each person matters. He or she represents life and relationship. Each name represents a soul created and known by the King of the universe.
He knows my name, and He knows your name, too!
God reveals more than just a familiar “knowing” of our names. He knows everything about us. Psalm 139 assures us that God knows all there is to know about each of us. His knowledge of you and me is complete—nothing is hidden from Him. He knows every detail of our being and attends to us in all aspects of life.
Too often our identity becomes wrapped up in names given by other people, but not by God Himself. Have you ever been confused about who you truly are? As a follower of Jesus Christ, do you realize the implications of the fact that you are known by God?
Like a really good piece of chocolate or your favorite food (if you are one of those who doesn’t fancy sweets), savor these truths about what God knows to be true about you. Perhaps substitute your name for “You” in each statement. Delight in the reality of who you are.
God knows you (Psalm 139:13-18).
You are a child of God (John 1:12).
You are Christ’s friend (John 15:3).
You are chosen (Ephesians 1:4).
You are completely forgiven (Romans 5:1).
You are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1).
You are a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
You are the dwelling place of God (1 Corinthians 3:16).
You are victorious through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).
You are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
You have been made for righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
You are a saint (1 Corinthians 1:2).
You have been made alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:5)
You are God’s handiwork (Ephesians 2:10).
You are a citizen of heaven (Ephesians 2:6).
You are capable of facing any situation with Christ (Philippians 4:13).
You are made complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).
You are dearly loved (1 Thessalonians 1:4).
You have life (1 John 5:12).
You are redeemed (Revelation 5:9).
You are marked with His seal (Ephesians 1:13).
You are His beloved (Colossians 3:12).
You belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19).
God knows you well; He lives with the constant reminder of your existence. Your name is so significant and important, Isaiah 49:16 proclaims that you are engraved upon His hands: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.”
God loves you! He is unable to forget about you.
Do you believe the truth of who you are?
You.
You are.
You are His.
You are His treasured.
You are His treasured possession (1 Peter 2:9).
He knows your name! Savor and live into the reality of who knows you and whose you really are!
“Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Romans 8:14-17
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.Who You Say I Am – Hillsong Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKw6uqtGFfo
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Check out these suggested readings.
Neil T. Anderson. Who I Am In Christ: A Devotional.Ventura, CA. 2001.
Melissa Kruger. Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of our Identity in Christ. Deerfield, IL, 2018.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
April 24-27 – Lake Wales, FL
Warner UniversityMay 4 – Littleton, CO
Sanctuary – Women’s Retreat, South Fellowship Church