Called By Name

There have been numerous studies done in the hospitality business on the extra step of being greeted by name upon arrival at a given establishment. In the lodging industry, this one action boosts repeat bookings by a significant percentage. Being on a “first-name” basis with anyone is coveted in both public and private life. Being called by name indicates recognition and familiarity, while being called by your first name indicates an even closer relationship.
A shepherd in ancient Palestine, by necessity, had a very close relationship with his sheep. It was especially important when they were out to pasture. He called them by name and tended to their needs one by one as they left in the morning and returned in the evening. The shepherd himself acted as a kind of “gate” by guarding the opening of a makeshift fence that kept the sheep safe.
Jesus uses the analogy of shepherding to indicate the close relationship that he sought to have with his disciples:
“I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. (John 10:14-16)
The parable of the lost sheep illustrates how precious each one of us is in the eyes of Jesus, the good shepherd. The following passage from the Gospel of John indicates the Agape love that God has for his children, especially those who have lost their way:
“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it [on] the last day.For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him [on] the last day.” (John 6:37-40)
May we be vigilant as we anticipate Pentecost this Easter season, and the Second Coming of Christ when we will all be called by name to share eternal life with God.