Ever since God created, we have all had something in common-a name to identify us, and keep us separate from each other. Whether it be animals, God had them parade by Adam so he could give them each a name, or people-Adam, Eve, Seth, Cain, or Abel, we all have a name given to us to be identified by. And some are more memorable than others.
John, Paul, George, and Ringo-no last names needed here. Same with Cher, Dr. Phil, or Oprah. And some even carry nicknames, giving us an insight into their background or personality. Dale Earnhardt was "the Intimidator." Arnold is the "Governator." The Duke of Flatbush is none other that Edwin Snider, of the Brooklyn Dodgers, #4. You may know Ralph Barger better as Sonny. Reagan was the Gipper. Vito Andolini? You may know him better as Don Corleone, the Godfather. Harvey Mushman? Steve McQueen's racing alias. And the list goes on.
Even in school, we all had nicknames, John C. was Nippy, Scrocca was Tony Rome, Frank B was Boosh, Bace was Eagle, Accorsi was Pinky, and looked like Elvis, Nicky was Clemenza, and I was Crazy. Only Miller brought a number into his nickname, JS3! Mention any name at Union College and they knew just who we were.
In the biker world, my friend Ray is known as Chief, due to his ancestry. I know 400 lb. men known as Tiny. Dutch is known by his background. Bikerjim, well he is. Panhead Dick, what he rides, or or what would like to be riding, again. In show biz, some where known by the group they hung with-The Rat Pack, or as one of their members, Old Blue Eyes was also known as the Chairman of the Board. In off road racing, just mention the Ironman, and you know they are talking about Ivan Stewart, although I never heard him called that. And when men have many titles, like Bishop, Father, Pastor, Brother Al, Brother works just fine.
So many names, and even the unidentified dead are given them, Jane or John Doe, or the saddest, Baby Doe. Names on lists somewhere, but never listed in phone books, or Face book lists.
How about Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? Do you know them by their inclusion in the best selling book, the Bible? How about a man, known as Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Son of Man, and the lamb that was slain? You may even use His name in vain, not knowing of His royalty, and His holy lineage. Or you may know Him as Jesus Christ, Jesus the Messiah. Master and savior. And He knows you, but the important thing is to know Him personally, and the only way to do that is to be born again, to repent and give Him your life. And then He will call you a special name-friend. We know all these others by reputation, but how many do we know? And how many would call us friend? Knowing about Him, is not the same as knowing Him!
Years ago we vacationed in Durango, and went to Francisco's. I knew the family, and waiting in line, we were about 15th in line, Skip saw me. "Hey Mike is that you?" he called. "How many?" And he showed all eight of us to a table immediately, impressing my boss who was with us. He knew me by name, a friend, and there is nothing like being recognized by someone in authority, and going to the head of line!
Today the Holy Spirit is calling you. By name, and is calling deep within your soul. Telling you that you need a savior, and you need to be reunited with God. And that Jesus is the only way! You may hear that voice, or even sense it-but it never yells or forces its way in. He is a gentlemen, but loves you so much He died for you. And when He says Joe, He knows which one. Mary-knows you from Maria and the other Mary's. Knows your face, your name, where you live, and all about you. And He still loves you! Call on Him today, while you still can. He is waiting, pen in hand, to write your name in the Book of Life. Where it will stay forever, and on Judgment Day, will represent you-INNOCENT as charged! He took your sin! What other person can do that? Now that's a friend!
You see there are names, and there are NAMES! In a who you know world, why not know the one who can offer eternal life? Jesus the Christ. Son of God. Master. Savior. Friend.
And best of all, He knows my name! I hope He knows yours, too!
Do you know His?
love with compassion,
Mike
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