who are called by my name
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
What does it mean to be called by God’s name? Firstly, it means that we are in His direct line of descent. We’ve all known people who enjoyed a little bragging about their parent, grandparent, or distant ancestor who had some claim to fame. But God, the Creator of the Universe, the beginning and the end, the Lord of Lords, the One who is worthy to receive “power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (Revelation 5:12) . . . yes, Father God has told us that He calls us His very own children, even His heirs. We cannot even begin to comprehend the full implications of this astounding reality. “. . . you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ . . .” (Romans 8:15—17)
Another facet of being called by God’s name is that He sends us out as His ambassadors. In former times, kings would send long-distance messages via a messenger, who carried with them as a form of identification a special object such as a seal or signet ring. A seal attested to the authority of the bearer, and was symbolic of the power of the king. It was as though the King himself were present and saying or doing whatever the ambassador said or did. Paul wrote that God “anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:21—22). Jesus spoke of what those of us who believe in Him would do as His ambassadors, in His name—see Matthew 28:18—20 and Mark 16:17—18! It is an amazing privilege to be called by God’s name. I think that the Russian patronymic tradition illustrates this beautifully. As followers of Jesus, we are each children and heirs of Father God, sent out to as His representatives on the earth. His name has become our identity—we are royal sons and daughters of the King! Let’s enter fully into the reality of that truth, and live as God’s name-bearers.
Prayer: Father, dear Abba Father, I thank You for calling me by Your name. Transform my understanding of who You are, and who You say that I am. I want to be Your ambassador and do the works of Jesus, according to Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
