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Listen while you read: "The Master Hath Come"1 (Lyrics) |
Quite recently, I visited my leader from the church who was quite sick. You must know that I wasn't aware that the sickness was something severe until I saw him looking quite wasted. I also didn't know that he would die the next day. I went there with both of my younger brothers, and when his wife asked him for our names, he remembered mine alone. He had seen them recently, but he hadn't seen me in over two years. The sickness had eaten at him, but with bright eyes and whispering voice, he said, "John." I was surprised that he remembered my name even in that condition, especially as he didn't seem to know my brothers any more. It was heartbreaking to hear that he had passed away the next day.
That incident reminded of Jesus and the fact that He knows our names.
Jeremiah 1:5 – Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (KJV)
God knows each and every one of us, even if we left Him a long time ago. When the prodigal son returned to his father, "when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." (Luke 15:20b KJV) That Man is God; He never forgets us.
If you have strayed far away from His sheltering hands; if you have broken the hedge and the serpent has bitten you (Ecclesiastes 10:8); if you had a bad experience and you thought that God doesn't care; if you have left the umbrella of His love; if it's been so long since you stepped into the church, and longer still since you have prayed; if you have run so far that you feel that you have escaped the watchful eyes of the Maker, I just want to tell you that God knows your name. Even before you were conceived, He has known and loved you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
Luke 19:5b – Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. (KJV)
Jesus knew Zacchaeus's name even before meeting him for the first time. He even knew which tree to look up into to find him. Today, He is looking at you and saying, "I know your name. I want to abide with you."
I just want you to know that you are not alone; God loves you. Just talk to Him and tell Him that you are ready to come back home.
Prayer: Lord, help me to come to the realization of Your ever-abiding knowledge of my existence. Amen.
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Thursday, January 23, 2025 – In Europe — Pray for the Jewish community to be encouraged and feel the love of their non-Jewish Christian friends. Pray that the Holy Spirit would open the hearts and minds of these secular Jews, and for God's leadership in my work.
daughter: "Update December 30, 2024: And please touch her heart that she may turn to YOU.* November 12, 2024:..." 
Thanks for the good reminder, John.
A very good and worthwhile message. Thank you and God bless you, John.
Amen! May God bless and keep you!
(N.S.)
Thank you, John, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
Blessings.
John,
Thank you for the very encouraging devotional today. God bless.
Good morning!
Thank you for this comforting and reassuring writing. God bless you.
Dear John,
Thanks so much for your inspiring message. It is a blessing to me.
(Ontario, Canada)
Thanks, John, for your devotional today reminding us that we are never forgotten by the one who created us. Our Lord is ever ready to answer our call. Blessings for writing.
Thank you, John. I find that I must be constant in thinking how easy it is to take Jesus’ love for granted. We are so blessed, and I strive to be appreciative.
(Texas, USA)
Good morning, John,
Thank you for those good words of truth this morning. Sometimes us older people feel alone and forgotten, our children and grandchildren are busy, some of our family members and good friends have passed away. But we are assured through faith that God remembers us and is with us. Thank you for reminding me.
Blessings.
John,
A very powerful devotional for all of us whether we have wandered or not. Remembering how wonderful God is and that He is always there for us gives us hope in the difficult moments and comfort in the good times.
Thanks for sharing your experience and that you felt God’s nudge and you visited with your leader before he died. He is now with the Lord another comfort that God offers us. Blessings.
Hello John,
Thank you for sharing your story “He knows your name” in the PresbyCan Daily Devotionals. This story is something we all need to remember because it gives spiritual hope and peace. I did go astray once (probably more than once), but the last time was unique. It is so true that God through Jesus Christ remembers our name. I felt Jesus, like a shepherd, leave the flock to search for me, call my name, find me, and bring me back; setting me on the right path, a new path, one which I have not strayed from since.
Thank you for your words in this story.
Blessings,
(ON)
Amen.
What a beautiful, reassuring message – Thank you.