“But now, this is what the LORD says; he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
We all have names, and He knows us by our name. While recently looking through photos of children in Haiti, descriptive words come to mind that could be given as names; names like hungry, tired, lonely, sadness, empty, broken and hurting. Through North American eyes, these days there really doesn’t appear to be any joy, considering their surroundings.
The attached photo was taken at the Messif school in Ouanaminthe. Their school room was dark at 11 AM; no windows and it was difficult for my eyes to adjust to the darkness of their room after coming in from outside. It must have been over ninety degrees in their room. They sat patiently listening to North American missionaries’ share the love of Jesus with them as their lunch time drew closer. He knows their names.
Psalm 23 is one of those best known and loved chapterss in the Bible because it comforts us with the image of a good shepherd caring for His helpless, wandering sheep. At just the right time, He stands, calls them to follow Him and gently reassures them as He walks forward. Every one of His sheep have a name, and He knows them all. Each sheep hears that familiar voice and his own name and follows the steps of the Good Shepherd. Thank you for answering His call to ‘follow me’ and bring food to Messif. We all have a name, disciple, steward, benefactor, missionary, good and faithful servant.
We sang a hymn at Our Redeemer Lutheran a couple of weeks ago that was written by Johann Ludwig Conrad Allendorf during the 19th century. I don’t recall ever singing ‘Jesus Has Come’ but the words really captured my attention and I hope they will settle on your mind today as well.
“Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal, Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End; Godhead, humanity, union supernal, O Great Redeemer, you come as our friend! Heaven and earth, now proclaim this great wonder: Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal! Jesus has come! Now see bonds rent asuner! Fetters of death now dissolve, disappear, see him burst through with a voice as of thunder! He sets us free from our guilt and our fear, lifts us from shame to the place of his honor. Jesus has come! Hear the roll of God’s thunder! Jesus has come as the mighty Redeemer. See now the threatening strong one disarmed! Jesus breaks down all the walls of death’s fortress, brings forth the pris’ners triumphant, unharmed. Satan, you wicked one, own now your master! Jesus has come! He, the mighty Redeemer! Jesus has come as the King of all glory! Heaven and earth, O declare his great pow’r. Capturing hearts with the heavenly story; welcome him now in this fast-fleeting hour! Ponder his love! Take the crown he has for you! Jesus has come! He, the King of all glory!”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay