I Don’t Know Their Names

I Don't Know There Names

5:58

“Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?'

God said to Moses, 'I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’

God also said to Moses, 'Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation,'” Exodus 3:13-15, NIV.

I have a friend whose four year old is starting pre-school. He is currently undergoing serious health issues, and has been kept away from kids and their germs. This September he was given cautionary permission to attend.

His grandmother reported:

“He was a little anxious but ended up being excited once he was there. "It's a beautiful day to start school."

I (Grandma) asked what he was worried about - "I don't know anyone's name.”

This four year old’s deepest concern was to connect with others. He summed up “The name of the LORD,” beautifully.

He connected his longing with a name. Names represent character, knowledge, intimacy, and friendship.

It so happens, that’s what King Jesus offers us in knowing His name. Isn’t this a longing of our hearts, to know our Savior?

If names didn’t matter, we wouldn’t have name tags, plaques would have a jersey’s number on them, and diplomas probably wouldn’t be framed and hung.

Names matter.

“There is no single exact number for how many studies research the importance of a name, but psychologists, economists, and sociologists have published hundreds of peer-reviewed papers on the topic over the past century,”

Ai google response.

With hundreds of peer-reviews written, we can conclude that a name matters.

This little four year old shared with his grandmother the wisdom of Solomon.

“I don’t know their names.”

Knowing someone’s name can be the beginning of a potential friendship. Not always, but it’s where we start. It’s where this four year old was starting, with a name.

For me, I have been convicted by this four year old who lives on the other side of the country; to get to know people’s names, not just their faces. It has always been a challenge for me, for I am very visual, and dyslexic. But this can’t be an excuse or a rationale when something as profoundly important as a name is concerned.

If a name represents a living breathing human being, made in God’s image, I better work harder at learning it.

How about you? Do you wear a name tag with pride and purpose so others can get to know you? Or do you hide it away, because you believe it doesn’t matter? I’ve done both.

God’s Name, and the pursuit of who He is, is important. It’s probably the most beautiful name you will ever know.

Do you know the name of God: His character, and who He is? Are you pursuing His name?

Father,

The Name above all names, we worship and honor You.

Thank You for knowing my name, who I am, and what I can become when I obey You.

Help me to know You better, for You are a God of many names: Good Father, Redeemer, Creator, the great I Am, and so many more.

You have made all people. And I think since You have asked us to walk in unity with others, I should at least begin with their name.

Forgive me when I haven’t bothered to do so.

Help me to know You better. To love what You love, and to obey You always. Please be ready with Your grace when I don’t.

You are Amazing. Everlasting. Holy. Love. Majestic. Deliverer. Redeemer. Vengeful. And Merciful.

You truly are the great I Am.

Amen.