The Power of a Name: Being Known by God
Introduction
This past Sunday, despite the snow and ice, we gathered to reflect on what it means to be truly seen. We looked at the Gospel of Luke to understand that being called by name is a sign that we are valued and significant to our Creator. Whether we are feeling hopeless or just busy with the "hustle and bustle" of life, this message reminds us that the risen Christ is walking with us, even when we don't immediately recognize Him.
Scripture
Acts 2:22–24 (NKJV)
"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it."
What This Teaches Us
This passage and the broader stories in Luke teach us that God has a specific, determined plan that involves real people with real names. From the announcement of John the Baptist’s name to the genealogy of Jesus that stretches back to Adam, the Bible makes it clear that our lineage and our identity matter to God. It reveals a Savior who does not just look at humanity as a nameless crowd, but as individuals He came to redeem from the power of death.
This matters because in a world where we often feel like just another number in a computer, God offers us infinite worth. When someone calls you by your name, they are saying you are important to them; when God calls your name, He is claiming you as His own. Understanding that Jesus knows your name allows you to move from a place of "unnoticed" trembling to a place of peace and healing.
Key Takeaways
Your identity is a gift from God. Names in Scripture, like John and Jesus, were often announced by God before birth because they carry meaning and purpose. You are not an accident of history; you are created in the image of God with a "DNA" that He designed. Recognizing that God knows your name is the first step in realizing how deeply you are loved.
Jesus notices the people the world ignores. Throughout His ministry, Jesus was "interrupted" by people who felt invisible—the demon-possessed, the chronically ill, and the outcasts like Zacchaeus. He didn't just heal them; He looked at them, spoke to them, and let them know they were not unnoticed. If you feel overlooked today, remember that Jesus is the one who stops for the individual in the middle of the crowd.
Recognition of Christ happens in the personal moments. The disciples on the road to Emmaus walked with Jesus for miles without knowing who He was until He broke bread with them. Similarly, Mary Magdalene didn't recognize the risen Lord until He simply said her name: "Mary". We often miss God's presence because we are too focused on our own plans, but He is often standing right beside us, waiting for us to hear His voice.
Application: Living It Out Today
This week, make a conscious effort to see the people around you as God sees them. Start by learning the names of the people you interact with—the cashier, a technician, or a new neighbor—and use their names to let them know they are valued. Take one small step by checking in on someone who might be struggling with the recent weather or a difficult life decision. Simply letting someone know "I remember you" can be a powerful reflection of Christ’s love.
Reflection Question
In the middle of your current worries or "busyness," can you hear the Lord calling your name, and are you ready to look up and recognize Him?
Invitation
If you want to dive deeper into these stories from the Gospel of Luke, you can watch the full sermon on YouTube. We would also love to have you join us in person next Sunday at Highland Hills as we continue to dream big and worship the one true God together.
