Monday, June 28, 2010

Jesus Knows Your Name

"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ." -- 1 John 1:3

There's a woman who attends the same church I do. For a while she and her husband were in the Sunday school class I attend. She got upset when another class member disagreed with her about prayer in schools and hasn't been back. I guess she considers herself to be a conservative Christian. She home schools her child. She studies her Bible. She seems nice as I watch her interact with others.

She doesn't speak to me. I am beneath her radar. Not worthy of a "hello" or even a smile or nod. I forced the issue one day. We passed on the staircase at church. I spoke and she had to speak back or look bad to those around her. If I had to describe her, I would say "unfriendly." I imagine she would be horrified and disagree. It's a matter of perspective, I suppose.

I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression. The church I attend is filled with wonderful, friendly people who have welcomed me into their midst. That is especially important to me because I am almost always alone. It matters that people speak and know my name.

Jesus knows my name. He sees me. He welcomes me with open arms. He never looks away, pretends not to know me or ignores my presence. I am amazed and so very, very grateful.

I wonder how people see me. Do they see someone who is friendly and approachable? I want to be. I want to be included by those around me and I want to include them. The way Jesus did. When He gave His life, He did it for everyone. We are all welcome at His altar. No one gets turned away.

So reach out and grab hold of His hand. You're invited! Just say yes and ask Him to come into your heart. Accept His gift. Believe. He knows your name. And you are always welcome in His Presence.