Our Father Doesn't Slander Our Name

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. 

                                                                         (Isa 43:1-7 KJV)

Talk about slander and name calling!  I was riding home with my husband yesterday. He insisted on listening to the news; news that made me nauseous. So much vitriol! So much anger because everyone does not think alike. The reality is we don't. The anger; the slander; the name calling is dividing the people. It is a great attempt to cover the world in darkness. But, it will not succeed. The light of Christ shines. The One who overcame death has overcome all obstacles for the children of God.

Fortunately, all who believe and are baptized into the Body of Christ have been united in Christ. We have a Father who does not slander us. He calls us by name and not hurtful names. He calls us because of his great love and not out of anger; not out of revenge. He did not send his only begotten Son to accuse the world of not listening to Him and obeying His law. He did not send his Son to condemn the world. He sent His Son so that all who would believe in the Son and the Son's life giving sacrifice would be forgiven and be reconciled to him and to one another. 

Do not fear for the One who knows us so intimately calls each of us by name. He calls us and leads us out of the darkness into the light. He is with us through every trouble that might assail us because we are His children and He will not abandon us.

Listen to the One who never forgets your name. Listen to the One who created you and glorify His Holy Name.

God's Peace - Pr. J.