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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About the author:

John Oguntoyinbo <jesutosinjohn@gmail.com>
Nigeria
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