March 5 Devotion

Lectionary Readings: Psalms 56, 57, 64 & 65; Romans 1:1-15; Jeremiah 1:11-19 and John 4:27-42

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 (NRSV)

A few Sundays ago, the choir sang this song as an anthem. I have been turning the lyrics over and over in my mind ever since. The words were so comforting and uplifting to me. I share them with you today as the basis for my devotional.

You Are Mine by David Haas ( #2218 in Faith We Sing)

1.) I will come to you in the silence,
I will lift you from all your fear.
You will hear my voice,
I claim you as my choice,
Be still and know I am here.

2) I am the hope for all who are hopeless
I am the eyes for all who long to see
In the shadows of the night,
I will be your light,
Come and rest in me.

3.) I am strength for all the despairing
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame.
All the blind will see,
the lame will all run free,
And all will know my name.

4.) I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name,
Embracing all your pain,
Stand up, now walk, and live!!

Refrain:
Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me,
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine

There are many thoughts expressed in this song that could be the basis for further reflection but the line that I hear in my head most often is in the refrain: “Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you each by name.” I know quite a few people because of the multiple places I’ve lived and the people I’ve come in contact with through my job, my family associations and my church family. But, I sometimes have great difficulty recalling someone’s name. My children would attribute this fault to my age, but I think it is also a combination of stress and lack of focus. I have worked as a nursing instructor for thirty years now and I confess I rely on photos of the graduates to “jog” my memory. It is easier to remember people’s names if I work with them or see them more regularly, but when it comes to “introductions” my brain can freeze with no warning.

It is astounding to me, then that God knows my name. It has been said that He knows each name and has had a plan for us before we were born. Someone told me once that if God had a refrigerator, we would find our pictures posted on the front. I am overwhelmed by this thought. In the vastness of the universe and in the number of prayers that are offered each moment, comprehending that God would be calling my name is truly humbling.

Names are special. Some names give us character. Other names define our heritage. We sometimes think of changing ours or suggesting alternatives to names we find strange, difficult to spell or pronounce. There are family names that have been passed down—some with pride and others with discomfort. We carry our names throughout our lives, occasionally changing the portion of our name that we use on a daily basis or adding an additional last name. We are known by our name—by family, colleagues, employers, and the government. But most of all we are known by God who uses our names to call us to follow Him.

As we contemplate the requirements of Lent: self-denial, penitence and forgiveness, let us not forget that we are connected to God at the most elemental of points. God knows our name and is calling to us before we ever think of praying or talking with Him. The connection is present in each of us—we just have to focus on listening as He calls our name. He calls us to follow Him and He will bring us Home—because He loves us and we are His.

Prayer: Dear Father and Mother of the Universe, please continue to call to us. Help us to learn the quietness needed to hear Your voice and the courage to respond to Your call. May we always feel the connection of Your presence in our lives and may we commit ourselves to sharing Your love with the world. Amen

Chyrl Budd