Craig Clouston

He Knows My Name!

The Lord knows those who are his …
2Timothy 2:19

Ricky was on his way to his in-laws to pick up his wife. It was a warm spring day so he drove with the car windows down. As he passed by his Amish neighbor’s farm he was surprised to hear one of the boys holler, “Hi Ricky!” I had no idea any of these kids knew my name! He waved and hollered, “Hi Guys!” to the passel of kids, and thought back to a day almost two months ago, when he and his wife had stopped by to introduce themselves to their new neighbors.
Ricky had to admit he was a bit chagrined that he couldn’t remember the name of the boy who’d just called his; it was kind of disconcerting … and humbling. Yet there was another sensation, one deeper and more meaningful, which surfaced and remained: It felt wonderfully validating for someone to know and call him by name! It was as if the young boy had pronounced a blessing over him by speaking his name in the presence of his brothers and sisters. He was saying, “I know you, Ricky Miller. You matter enough to me to have remembered your name from that first day you stopped at my house.” It was then Ricky remembered the boy had been standing beside his father when he’d introduced himself. Abe! That’s his name! Ricky made a mental note to return the blessing … as well as learn the names of all ten of Abe’s siblings.

†

To be hailed in this manner is akin to being handed a glass of ice-water on a hot summer’s day when you’ve been working all day in the hot sun. Its welcomed coolness penetrates every part of your being, bringing pleasant relief; and this from a mere acquaintance.
Jesus is more than ‘acquainted’ with us. He knows us intimately! His death and resurrection purchased our salvation! He says, “I know you! You matter so much to me that I have known your name from before your birth! You are Mine!” See Revelation 2:17

Prayer

“There is a thrill that runs through me, that permeates my entire being at this knowledge, Lord Jesus! I am blessed because You know my name! Amen.”