He Calls Me By Name
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." -- John 10:14
Don't you just hate going someplace new by yourself? That's especially true when you seem to be the only person there alone. The loneliest I think I've ever felt is being alone in a room full of people who are clustered in groups. They know each other. Friendships abound. I am the outsider. No one knows my name.
I am so thankful that Jesus knows my name. When I get to heaven, He'll call me by name and welcome me home. I won't be alone there. I'll belong to a huge family where I am welcomed and loved.
I've never figured out a certain way of determining who is and who isn't a Believer. Some folks act the part. They say the right things and do plenty of good deeds. But I can't see their hearts the way God can so I really don't know.
Other people seem to stumble and fall on a regular basis. I don't see outward signs of belief. I just see mistakes and excuses. Still, they seem sincere and I am reminded that God welcomes all people. He knows their hearts and sees them in a way I can't.
Sometimes I sit at church and watch the people around me. They are a diverse group. Young and old, life-long members and those newly acquired, mix with people of all races. Some appear affluent while others seem less so. It doesn't matter. Jesus binds them together, as they sing and laugh and worship their Lord.
Jesus knows each person's name. He sees the heart beneath the exterior. He loves each one. As the music starts, He reaches out and touches each person. What started as a eclectic group of people becomes one family, bound together by the Good Shepherd. He calls each by name and they respond as one in love and communion.
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