The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "UNMISTAKEN IDENTITY" for Thursday, 27 October 2016 with Scripture: Isaiah 43:1 But now this is what Adonai says,he who created you, Ya‘akov,
he who formed you, Isra’el:
“Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you;
I am calling you by your name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through water, I will be with you;
when you pass through rivers, they will not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire, you will not be scorched —
the flame will not burn you.
3 For I am Adonai, your God,
the Holy One of Isra’el, your Savior —
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and S’va for you.
4 Because I regard you as valued and honored,
and because I love you.
For you I will give people,
nations in exchange for your life.
5 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
I will bring your descendants from the east,
and I will gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Don’t hold them back!
Bring my sons from far away,
and my daughters from the ends of the earth,
7 everyone who bears my name,
whom I created for my glory —
I formed him, yes, I made him.’”
One Sunday the cashier at a local store was smiling at me broadly as she totaled my bill. As she handed me my receipt, she said, “Have a great day, John!” I was puzzled by how she knew my name. Then I realized that I was still wearing my name tag from church.
Our name tags list the name of our church and today’s quoted verse from Isaiah. By wearing these name tags, church members hope to help newcomers learn people’s names and feel welcome. The quote on the tags also reminds the wearer and the reader that God has called us each by name. I realized that by wearing my name tag, I was sharing this message of welcome with people in the store — and I didn’t even realize it!
After this experience, I now make it a point to wear my church name tag in public places before and after our worship services. My name tag makes me more aware that people may notice my behavior, and so I am mindful that I may be the best example of a Christian that someone might see that day. This practice reminds me that God has called each of us by name to be living examples of God’s love in Christ no matter where we are.
The Author: John Blossom (Connecticut, USA)
Thought for the Day: How do I show others that God has called them by name?
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have called us by name to be your people. Help us to proclaim your gift of salvation in Christ to the world. Amen.
Prayer focus: FOR COURAGE TO SHARE CHRIST WITH OTHERS
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