Understanding that God knows our names gives us comfort and reassurance of His deep, personal involvement in our lives. The Bible reveals that the God of the universe, the one who holds the whole earth and the starry host, knows each of His children of God intimately. From biblical times to the present, His love of Christ and steadfast love have remained unwavering.
These verses reflect the name of my God and His holy name’s sake, emphasizing His personal care and the free gift of God’s everlasting love. This Bible study explores various scriptures that highlight God’s plan and His great power in calling us by name, symbolizing His temple of my God and the name of the city of my God. As we delve into this week’s readings, let us reflect on the greater love, the goodness that will pass, and the name of Jesus that offers strong support and mighty strength.
These verses remind us that even in the valley of the shadow of death and hard times, the love of Christ and the holy spirit provide a path of righteousness and steadfast love, ensuring our names are written in the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem.
Isaiah 43:1
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
This verse emphasizes God’s creation and redemption of His people, Israel. By calling them by name, God affirms His intimate knowledge and ownership. In our lives, this personal call by God assures us of His presence and protection, even in times of fear and uncertainty. The Creator of the universe knows us individually, which underscores our value and His commitment to our well-being.
John 10:14-15
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows His followers intimately, just as He is known by the Father. This relationship is marked by mutual recognition and profound sacrifice. As believers, this deep knowledge by Jesus reassures us of His guidance, care, and ultimate sacrifice for our salvation, echoing His commitment to lead us through life’s challenges.
Psalm 139:1-3
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
This Psalm of David highlights God’s omniscience and His thorough understanding of our daily lives. Every action, thought, and intention is known to God, which can be both humbling and comforting. Knowing that God is deeply familiar with every aspect of our lives encourages us to live transparently and rely on His wisdom and guidance.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
God’s words to Jeremiah reveal His foreknowledge and purpose for each life even before birth. This verse speaks to the sanctity and intentionality of our existence. Recognizing that God has known and set us apart for specific purposes reassures us of our significance and encourages us to seek and fulfill His plans for our lives.
John 10:3
“To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
Jesus’ parable of the shepherd illustrates His personal relationship with His followers. Calling each sheep by name signifies individual care and leadership. As His sheep, hearing and recognizing His voice encourages us to follow Him faithfully, trusting in His direction and care in all circumstances.
Exodus 33:17
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.'” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
God’s acknowledgment of knowing Moses by name signifies a special relationship marked by favor and intimate knowledge. This assurance is not just for Moses but for all who seek God earnestly. Being known by name by God means being seen, valued, and guided uniquely, fostering a deep sense of security and purpose.
Psalm 91:14
“Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
This verse promises God’s deliverance and protection to those who love Him and know His name. It highlights the mutual relationship between God and His followers. By knowing His name, we acknowledge His power and authority, which brings His protection and deliverance in times of trouble.
Isaiah 49:16
“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
God’s declaration of inscribing His people on His palms indicates a permanent and personal commitment. This vivid imagery assures us that we are always in His sight and care. God’s constant remembrance of us signifies our invaluable worth and His unending love and protection.
Isaiah 45:3-4
“I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
God’s promise to Cyrus reflects His sovereignty in revealing hidden treasures and calling individuals by name for His purposes. Even those unaware of God’s presence are known and chosen by Him. This verse reminds us that God’s plans and purposes for us are deeply personal and sovereignly ordained, even when we do not fully understand them.
Luke 19:5
“When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.'” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
Jesus’ call to Zacchaeus by name signifies His personal attention and invitation. Despite Zacchaeus’ social status as a tax collector, Jesus’ knowing and calling him reflects God’s inclusive love and willingness to engage personally with everyone. This encourages us to respond to Jesus’ call, knowing He values us individually and seeks a relationship with us.
Acts 9:15
“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel;'” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
God’s directive to Ananias about Saul (Paul) reveals His sovereign choice and purpose for individuals. Saul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle underscores God’s intimate knowledge and purposeful plans for each person’s life. Recognizing that we are chosen by God for specific roles motivates us to embrace our divine calling with confidence and dedication.
Genesis 35:10
“God said to him, ‘Your name is Jacob; no longer shall you be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.’ So he was called Israel.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
God’s renaming of Jacob to Israel signifies a transformation and new identity. This act of naming reflects God’s authority and the new destiny He bestows upon us. Embracing our new identity in God’s eyes encourages us to live out our purpose with a renewed sense of identity and mission.
Psalm 147:4
“He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
This verse highlights God’s omniscience and personal attention to His creation. Naming each star reflects His detailed care and knowledge. Just as He names the stars, He knows and names each of us, affirming our significance in His vast creation. This assures us of our unique value and His attentive care.
2 Timothy 2:19
“But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.'” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
God’s firm foundation signifies His unchanging knowledge of His people. Being known by God entails a call to holiness and departure from sin. This verse encourages us to live righteously, knowing that God’s intimate knowledge of us is a foundation that supports and sustains our faith and conduct.
John 10:27
“My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
Jesus’ words emphasize the relationship between Him and His followers. Hearing His voice and being known by Him signifies a deep, personal connection. As His sheep, following Jesus brings us under His care and guidance, providing security and direction in our spiritual journey.
Matthew 10:30
“And even the hairs of your head are all counted.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
This verse underscores God’s detailed knowledge of us, down to the very hairs on our heads. Such intimate awareness reflects His profound care and value for each individual. This assurance helps us trust in God’s meticulous provision and attention to every aspect of our lives.
1 Corinthians 8:3
“But anyone who loves God is known by him.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
Loving God results in being known by Him, emphasizing a mutual and intimate relationship. This verse reassures us that our love for God is reciprocated by His personal knowledge of us. It encourages us to deepen our relationship with God, knowing that He intimately knows and loves us in return.
Galatians 4:9
“Now, however, that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits? How can you want to be enslaved to them again?” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
Paul’s words to the Galatians highlight the transformation from being known by God. This knowledge should prevent us from returning to our former ways. Understanding that God knows us encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, avoiding the influences that once enslaved us.
Revelation 2:17
“Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
This verse promises a new name to those who overcome, symbolizing a new identity and reward from God. The white stone and hidden manna signify purity and spiritual sustenance. Being given a new name by God reflects a deeply personal transformation and recognition by Him. It reassures us of the intimate and unique relationship we share with God, one that is acknowledged and cherished by Him alone.
Isaiah 62:2
“The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
This prophecy speaks of a future where God’s people will be recognized by a new name given by the Lord. This new name signifies a change in status and identity, reflecting God’s vindication and glory bestowed upon His people. It encourages us to look forward to the honor and recognition that comes from God, affirming our worth and His transformative power in our lives.
Luke 12:7
“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
This verse emphasizes God’s meticulous care and valuation of each person. Knowing that God counts even the hairs on our heads reassures us of our immense worth in His eyes. It dispels fear, reminding us that our lives are precious to God. This intimate knowledge encourages us to trust in His provision and care, confident that we are valued and protected.
John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
Jesus’ declaration as the way, truth, and life underscores His central role in our relationship with God. Knowing Jesus intimately means knowing the way to the Father. This verse emphasizes the exclusive and essential nature of Christ in our spiritual journey. It encourages us to deepen our relationship with Jesus, understanding that through Him, we have access to eternal life and truth.
Romans 10:13
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
This promise of salvation to all who call on the Lord’s name underscores the inclusivity and accessibility of God’s grace. Knowing that anyone can be saved by calling on His name provides hope and assurance of God’s readiness to rescue and redeem us. It encourages us to actively seek God, knowing that His salvation is available to all who reach out to Him.
Hebrews 4:13
“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
This verse speaks to God’s all-seeing nature, where nothing in creation is hidden from His sight. Being fully known by God means that our lives are laid bare before Him. This can be both sobering and reassuring, as it encourages us to live with integrity and openness before God. His complete knowledge of us calls us to accountability and invites us to trust in His just and loving nature.
John 15:1-27
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (NRSVue)
Reflection:
Jesus’ analogy of the vine and branches highlights the vital connection between Him and His followers. As branches, we derive our life and productivity from remaining in Christ, the true vine. God, the vinedresser, tends to us, pruning to enhance our growth. This passage reassures us of God’s careful nurturing and our need to stay connected to Jesus for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.
Conclusion
The Bible is rich with verses that affirm God’s intimate knowledge of us and His calling us by name. These scriptures reveal the depth of His love, the precision of His care, and the profound relationship He desires with each of us. Understanding that we are known personally by the Creator of the universe encourages us to live confidently and purposefully, knowing that we are valued and cherished by God. As we meditate on these verses, let us embrace the truth of God’s personal involvement in our lives and respond to His call with faith and obedience.
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