8-28-2024

Good Morning All,

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

    A few days ago, I went through the dreaded “cancel call.” Somehow, a credit card was hacked, and a bunch of purchases were attempted in New York. So, first I dialed the 800 number. Then I entered my 16-digit credit card number. Then the 9-digit case number that was assigned to me. Then the last 4-digits of my social security, then my 10-digit phone number, then my 5-digit zip code (I was glad they didn’t want the +4 number). Of course, a couple tries I hit the wrong number, so the call was ended and I had to start over again. Finally, I talked to a real person, and we got things cleaned up.

    Through this whole process, I realized, for the most part, I am just a number. If you go to some stores, or the DMV, you take a number and wait your turn. I have an insurance number, we used to have a farm number, if you send in a warranty card, you are a number for the product you use. I remember when I was in high school, one “futurist” said that the time would come when a newborn baby would be given a social security number and a phone number and that would forever be his identity. I remember thinking how foolish this was at the time but not anymore. How long before we just introduce ourselves as, “Hi. I’m 901-555-1212, how are you?”

    It really is nice to go where everyone does know your name. It is nice to have people who know you, not an account number but a real, live, breathing, emotional, spiritual being. That you have joys, fears, desires, and dreams. You exist and you matter. Into this existence, God comes to us, and he speaks this statement, one of the most powerful and hopeful sentences in all of Scriptures. “I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Is there a greater sentence of joy and hope? You are not a number in some massive heavenly computer, rather; you are a beloved child of God. You are known, by your name! In knowing you by name, God knows everything deep-seated fear, a cry of pain, every lost moment, everything which causes us to suffer. He takes this and draws you into a fatherly hug and comforts you with his amazing love. He calls you by name and comforts you. He holds you and whispers your name and tells you to “be still, be calm, nothing can hurt you, you are mine.” What a promise! What an amazing truth for us in a world that seems to be more and more frightening every day. So, whenever you hear something that scares you; remember, don’t be afraid. The God who made everything has you; you are His!

Heavenly Father, in your mercy, you bring us to You. You call us by name as a Father speaks to his children. Keep us in your loving arms that we may know your peace. Speak to those who are especially in need of your loving care. Calm their hearts and relieve their fears. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret