I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
Today’s Scripture
Isaiah 43:1-7
Listen to Today’s Devotion
Today’s Devotion
One particularly catchy book promotion featured the auctioning of the chance for readers to have their name in print. Willing participants could pay to have their names used for a character in a bestselling author’s upcoming novel. The highest bidder in the auction won a chance to select a name to be used in the book. The money raised went to charity—and of course the author’s novel was promoted.
Many people enjoy seeing their names in print. It’s a way for them to be known or even “seen.” But rest assured, Someone much more important already knows your name and already sees you.
When Isaiah reminded the Israelites about God’s love for them, he said, “[God has] summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). The prophet was reminding the people of God’s covenant agreement with them formed with their forefather Abraham many years before (see Genesis 12:1-3). And even though the people may have felt abandoned during the time these words were spoken, Isaiah’s reminder showed that God knew their needs and was with them (Isaiah 43:2-5).
Similarly, those who believe in Jesus are known by God. John 10:3 says, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” We’re known by God when we seek to follow Him and follow His commands outlined for us in Scripture. We’re known and we’re loved. God sees us and knows us by name.
Reflect & Pray
How does reflecting on the fact that God knows your name help you? How can you share the good news of being known by Him?
Almighty God, thank You for knowing me and seeing me.
Today’s Insights
Because of the Israelites’ unrepentant unfaithfulness, God exiled them to Babylon (Isaiah 39:6-7). But He assured them, “I will be with you” (43:2; see v. 5). He also promised He’d bring them back to the promised land (vv. 2-6). He lovingly called them “my sons . . . and my daughters . . . who [are] called by my name” (vv. 6-7). As believers in Jesus, we too are called by God. Paul says, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ” (Ephesians 1:4 nlt). Calling us by our names, Jesus leads us to follow Him (John 10:3). We don’t need to be afraid of the uncertainties of our future, for God has assured us, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 nlt). He knows us and has written our names “in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3; see Revelation 20:12-15).
For further study, read: You Are Seen
