Isaiah 43:1 – But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. (NRSV)

Have you ever heard of the Tree of Heaven? What a beautiful name! The scientific name is Ailanthus altissima. Native to China, it is now found worldwide, often appearing as an invasive species. It is said to symbolize perseverance and hope amidst hardship. That sounds good until you realize that this tree often causes hardship for native plants, choking out flora and fauna with thick growth and rapid reproduction. National Geographic actually calls the Tree of Heaven "a hellish invasive species". So, how did it get its name? The name appears to come from the tree's ability to reach up to the sky very quickly, so that makes some sense and maybe explains why many folks in British Columbia, Canada, cultivated it, at least for a while. It has also been called the Paradise Tree. Where it has shown its deadlier side it gets names like varnish tree, copal tree and stinking sumac — names not so complimentary!

What's in a name? That's a good question. I am writing this the day before the birthday of our firstborn, a son. We had waited more than seven years for him. We wanted to spend time in thought and prayer before we gave him a name that would be part of his identification for the rest of his life. The hospital had other ideas. We were politely told that we could not take home our new bundle of joy until he was properly named. So much for deep thought and prayer!

We had a couple of days before my wife would be released and this gave us a little time to try to get this right. After all, we had never done this before. Newborn son, as the prophet of old said, we "called you by name; you are mine"!

As we signed out of the hospital, we proudly spoke his name for the first time to others: Jonathan David Kenneth Stright. His name embodied a biblical promise and a heritage from both sides of his family, and the hospital was satisfied enough to let us go.

That baby has grown into a wonderful man who brings honour to the four names that identify him! God has given us such a blessing in him, and he remains beloved of God and beloved by his parents, sisters, wife and all who know him. He is a comely man!

We are invited to remember that we are beloved of God and that we have been called by name. The names of those who answer His call are written in the Book of Life. Thanks be to God Who makes all this possible through Jesus Christ Who calls us His friends!

Prayer: You have called me by my name even in my mother's womb, and You have walked with me all the days of my life. I am grateful, Lord God, that You know me and love me and call me by name. Amen.

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About the author:

Kenn Stright <kennethstright@yahoo.ca>
West Petpeswick, Nova Scotia, Canada
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