God Knows My Name

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so far is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:11-12)

I have had a wonderful opportunity to step up as a teacher over a 4th grade class room at my church.  I have to say that I have the greatest group of 4th graders you will ever meet.  Their hearts are tender, their ready to learn, they are kind, and they love Jesus.  I have enjoyed being their teacher so much!   Just two weeks ago, God showed me something very valuable during my time with them.  In fact, it had only been my third time teaching the class.  The first two times I taught, I had everyone go around and introduce themselves.  I was really trying hard to make sure I remembered each name, as different children showed up both times.

Well, this last time that I taught… the kids saw it was me and said “Your not going to make us go around and say our names again, are you?”  I said no, I think I got it down now.  So they proceeded to cover their name tags and quiz me.  Each one calling out, “Do you know my name?”  Fortunately, the Holy Spirit brought each name back to my memory.  Oh how each child lit up as I told them what their name was.  It was as if they were saying, “She knows me, I’m someone special, she knows my name.”  It was a beautiful moment to be a part of.

It got me to thinking…  God knows my name!  He thinks I’m someone special.  He knows me.  And even though He knows everything about me, including the wickedness in my heart… He still loves me.  He loved me so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for me.  The words from the song “Here I am to Worship” come back to mind for me as I sing, “I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.”  I’ll never know the intensity of that moment.  I’ll never know what it was like to feel the pain that Jesus felt.  I’ll never know that sting of death because Jesus took my place.

He paid my ransom!   I was a slave to sin.  I was burdened by it’s yoke.  But God in His most amazing love sent His Son to set me free, to bear the yoke of my sin, and to pay the ransom for my slavery.  Wow!  I’m in tears once again as I think about the amazing work of redemption that God has done on my behalf.  I didn’t deserve it.  I fall so many times in a day.  I don’t use my time as wisely as I would like to.  I don’t always say the right thing.  I don’t always have my thoughts in check.  I have an attitude at times.  I’ve been disobedient to my Father.  I’ve strayed from His commands time and again.  I’ve failed in loving my neighbor.  I’ve missed opportunities to share Jesus.  I have sinned in great proportion.  But God in His tender mercy saw fit to have His Son die for me.  Me!  The weight of that is astounding!  I sit here in awe!

Oh God, my God!  I am speechless!  Your love saved me.  You saved me from the death that my sins deserved.  You set me free!  You breathe life into me through Your Word.  Your Holy Spirit guides me and teaches me new things daily.  God, I’m beyond blessed to be called Your child.  Thank You for adopting me!  Thank You for forgiving my sins and separating them as far as the east is from the west.

Thankful God calls me by name,