Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 21, 2023
Romans 16:1-15
1 I’m introducing our sister Phoebe to you, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. 2 Welcome her in the Lord in a way that is worthy of God’s people, and give her whatever she needs from you, because she herself has been a sponsor of many people, myself included. 3 Say hello to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life. I’m not the only one who thanks God for them, but all the churches of the Gentiles do the same. 5 Also say hello to the church that meets in their house. Say hello to Epaenetus, my dear friend, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. 6 Say hello to Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 7 Say hello to Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners. They are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Say hello to Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Say hello to Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10 Say hello to Apelles, who is tried and true in Christ. Say hello to the members of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Say hello to my relative Herodion. Say hello to the members of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Say hello to Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who are workers for the Lord. Say hello to my dear friend Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Say hello to Rufus, who is an outstanding believer, along with his mother and mine. 14 Say hello to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. 15 Say hello to Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
Good Morning; Take time to talk with God today!
Sometimes I am tempted to rush through a listing of names like this passage in Romans. Liturgists shudder when assigned to read such a listing of hard-to-pronounce names. Today, I decided actually to read what is here. Even with mispronounced names, I see the value of listing and validating those Paul lifts up.
I am reminded of the theme song to the long-running comedy “Cheers,” Where everybody knows your name. It is part of human nature to react when someone calls you by name. Hearing our name empowers a part of our brain as we engage in listening and active participation. Being a part of God’s family, where time and space coexist, is where everybody knows our names.
When I read that God knows me by name, I find comfort that I am known.
First, in Isaiah 43:1-4 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, Jacob, and formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away.
In Isaiah 49:16, we read, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” “See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands."
Beyond the calling of my name by a stranger is the calling of my name by someone who knows me and not just knows who I am but knows me intimately. One of the most powerful moments in the resurrection story is when Jesus, who appears as a gardener to Mary, calls Mary by name. She immediately turns and says, in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher.” “My Lord!” As I type this, tears form in my eyes as I imagine her joy at His revelation to her.
One day, we will be face-to-face with Jesus, and we will hear our Lord call us by name, and we will be blessed. “What a day of rejoicing that will be!” Meanwhile, know that God knows us by name and cares for us because we are God’s children.
Loving God, We thank you! You are a mighty God and creator of all, yet You take time to know each of us, Your children, by name. We love you! Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he cares for me!
Listen! God is calling your name! Pastor Liz
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