DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: Isaiah 43: (Focus vs. 1-7)
MEMORY VERSE
“I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
BACKGROUND
One particularly catchy book promotion featured the auctioning of the chance for readers to have their name in print. Willing participants could pay to have their names used for a character in a bestselling author’s upcoming novel.
The highest bidder in the auction won a chance to select a name to be used in the book. The money raised went to charity—and of course the author’s novel was promoted.
Many people enjoy seeing their names in print. It’s a way for them to be known or even “seen.” But rest assured, Someone much more important already knows your name and already sees you.
When Isaiah reminded the Israelites about God’s love for them, he said, “[God has] summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
The prophet was reminding the people of God’s covenant agreement with them formed with their forefather Abraham many years before (see Genesis 12:1-3).
And even though the people may have felt abandoned during the time these words were spoken, Isaiah’s reminder showed that God knew their needs and was with them (Isaiah 43:2-5).
Similarly, those who believe in Jesus are known by God. John 10:3 says, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” We’re known by God when we seek to follow Him and follow His commands outlined for us in Scripture.
We’re known and we’re loved. God sees us and knows us by name.
Katara Patton
INSIGHT
Because of the Israelites’ unrepentant unfaithfulness, God exiled them to Babylon (Isaiah 39:6-7). But He assured them, “I will be with you” (43:2; see v. 5). He also promised He’d bring them back to the promised land (vv. 2-6).
He lovingly called them “my sons . . . and my daughters . . . who [are] called by my name” (vv. 6-7). As believers in Jesus, we too are called by God.
Paul says, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ” (Ephesians 1:4 nlt). Calling us by our names, Jesus leads us to follow Him (John 10:3).
We don’t need to be afraid of the uncertainties of our future, for God has assured us, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 nlt). He knows us and has written our names “in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3; see Revelation 20:12-15)
K.T. Sim
APPLICATION
How does reflecting on the fact that God knows your name help you? How can you share the good news of being known by Him?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post
“We are known and we are loved. God sees us and knows us by name. We are known by God when we seek to follow Him and follow His commands outlined for us in Scripture.“ Kattara Patton
PR’s TAKE
“The devil knows your name but calls you by your shame. God knows your shame but calls you by your name.” Anonymous
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it…
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:13-16
PRAYER
“Almighty God, thank You for knowing me and seeing me.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“HE KNOWS MY NAME” Tommy Walker
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call
