But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you,
Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have
summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
There is a fun little trend that has evolved over the years
to create “connection” through social media: #@. These symbols are placed in front of names to create a “handle.”
Yet, increasingly to me, I see these symbols replacing a name. It’s fun and functional
and there is absolutely nothing wrong with handles, carry on and connect! This is not at all a call to cease. This is a
caution not to replace. The call is never to isolate, but more never to
lose identity. To be holy is to be separate, but not irrelevant. In fact, the more
we are in holy, the more we are relevant. Know who we are and Whose we are,
ultimately.
We often come to the point where we don’t even want
identity. We are more comfortable with labels than names. Emotion can be
overwhelming when our name is voiced – either in kindness or hatred. If our
name is called out in hatred by a parent, authority, or spouse – then we learn
to hate our name just like they did. If our name is called out in kindness by a
parent, authority, friend, or spouse, then we long to hear our name voiced like
the air breathed. The heart is determined by the surroundings instead of the
surroundings determined by the heart. All in a name and the heart voicing.
Many are identified by the celebrity of name – mostly in
entertainment, sports, and spotlights. Usually, these are predominately first
and last names (Jack Nicholson or Kobe Bryant) or simply a first name (Ellen or
Hillary). Either way, we all know the person by the highlighted name. Even
authors (Stephen King or Joyce Meyer). Bizarre seeing those two names together, right?
But yet, they both reach millions by their words – either horror or holy. All
you need is a few letters to transport you to emotion. A name.
Christine (Caine) talks often of how her life started
identified as a series of numbers instead of a name. Then she was adopted and
now is known as Christine. Then she was married and her name changed again. A
journey of life, belonging and union marked by a name change. As are millions
of others in history. Then she became a
public voice and author, so again, marked by her name to influence. Yet, in the
heart of it all, she will tell you: He calls her by name and she is His. Union
and Identity is His Name.
Yet, at the heart of it all is a heart of a human. He calls
by Name in Love. Everyone from first breath to last; from before to beyond.
Earth may give each their name, but the Creator calls us by our true name. All
things are new in Him, even our name.
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the
churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I
will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known
only to the one who receives it.” Revelation 2:17
Ultimate union is with the Ultimate Name: Yeshua to the Hebrew,
Jesus to the Greek. YHWH to All. Name will meld into the Name HE calls me and
He calls the one victorious. New name given by the only one who can give. Known
instantly by the only one who knows: my heart consummated with His Heart. My name in His Name. Not "Christian": His.
Know not to get lost in handles, but to live in heart. Know the true heart. Know the true identity. Live in celebration of your name
now and in the Name known in Newness of Eternity. Who you are is celebrated: by
your Creator Love. By Your earthly loves. So meld into the celebration of
Heaven and Earth: know your name and your belonging in Love.
