When Jesus Calls Your Name

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"Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, 'Rabboni!' (which means, Teacher." - (Jn. 20:16, NASB)

     Does Jesus really know your name? I believe so. The Bible is clear that every hair on our heads are numbered and the LORD takes into account every bird that drops dead to the ground (Mt. 10:29). In addition, the Bible tells us that God knows every star and calls them by name (Ps. 147:4). So, yes, I believe that God knows your name. Why is that significant?

    In the verse above, Mary had been talking to Jesus and two angelic visitors at the tomb where Jesus had been placed just two days prior. She was talking to Jesus, and yet did not realize that she was, in fact, talking with the risen Jesus. It was not until he called her by name that she recognized whom it was speaking to her, but when she heard, "Mary!" she knew. 

    In American society, names often do not carry the significance they do in many other cultures, or in Biblical culture. Today, we usually choose names based upon how they sound to us rather than their meaning (if they have a meaning). Yet, still, our names are personal, our own identifier. If a person were to yell "Hey you" in a crowded room most people will respond by turning their heads. However, if you yell out the specific name of a person, the response is quite different. Sure, many heads will still turn simply to see who is yelling, but the person whose name was just called out will respond in a unique way. Using an individual's name indicates a personal connection, a knowledge of whom is being addressed. 

    John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that He sent Jesus. He came for everyone! However, He did not come to simply save "the world", but you. You can insert your own name in place of "the world" and understand what I am saying. Yes, Jesus  died for the world, but He died for you. This is important, for it tells you that God knows You. And, just like Mary, His voice can so easily blend into the other sounds of this earthly existence. He knows your name, and He knows you. Do you hear Him calling you? 

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