When God Calls Your Name
Being Known
In the Bible, being “called by name” by God is really important. It shows a close knowledge of the person. In Isaiah 43:1, God tells Israel, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
In some translations this verse says: “I have called you by your name. You are mine”. It means God fully knows who we are and He claims us as His own. What a privilege.
A Name Change
There are also examples in the Bible where God calls people by name and then gives them a new name. The change in name reflects a change in their status and purpose.
Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:5): From Abram (meaning “exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of many nations”)
Jacob to Israel (Genesis 32:27-28): From Jacob (meaning “supplanter” or “deceiver”) to Israel (“he struggles with God” or “prince with God”)
Simon to Peter (Matthew 16:17-18): From Simon to Peter (meaning “rock”)
A New Purpose
As we’ve seen with those whose names were changed, sometimes being called by name means God has a mission or purpose for that person. Think about Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4) whom God called to lead Israel from Egypt. As a boy, Samuel was called to be a prophet(1 Samuel 3). You might like to find other people in the Bible who were called by God.
Jesus Knows Your Name
‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you’. John 15:16
Jesus calls us by name because He loves us, He chose us, He wants us, He accepts us. It doesn’t matter how anyone else defines you. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are saying to you. What matters is that God knows us individually. (Psalm 139:1-4).
A New Name
Jesus promises to give us a new name. Revelation 2:17 says, “To him who overcomes… I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”
At the time Revelation was written, a white stone equalled innocence. Judges had white stones to vote for acquittal and black stones for guilt. Receiving a white stone when on trial meant you were free from condemnation – innocent. You had been tried and been found worthy.
In Greek society black or white stones were used in civic elections. Your vote represented your support for a candidate. Jesus giving us a white stone symbolises his total support for us.
Have you heard God call your name?
You may not have heard the audible voice of God speaking your name, but there will have been times during a talk, a worship song or reading your Bible when you have known what God wants you to do.
Listen to Rob talking about when he has heard his name called: Peter Restored
