I am a public educator - not nearly appreciated enough by those individuals with whom I am forced to work. Did you see how smartly that last sentence was crafted? I - being well educated - know that in no case should you end ANY sentence with a preposition, therefore, my prepositional phrase was well executed. I have traveled the world - literally - and have been exposed to the finer things of numerous cultures. I have seen the snowy alps of Switzerland and the watery canals of Italy. I have dined within the shadow of the Eiffel Tower ( La Tour Eiffel) - an extremely kitschy and garish object that has been allowed by the people of France to remain in a place of prominence that overshadows the highest spires of the sacred Notre Dame Cathedral. And for the purposes of public record, I have performed within the flying buttressed walls of this GREAT cathedral. Je suppose que vous vous souhaiter etiez moi - mais naturekkement. That, of course, is French for "I suppose you wish you were me - but of course. Oh, vous petit porc commun.
As far as education is concerned, I graduated magna cum laude with my undergraduate degree and summa cum laude with my graduate degree - following the successful completion of my dissertation process. All in all, I am a destined leader, an absolute gift to humanity................I'm gonna stop this one before it gets any uglier. The truth of the matter is, the things that I could brag about are "bars of achievement" set up by people for the enjoyment (and self promotion) of people. Given too much latitude, and we become nothing more than pompous/arrogant "Star-Bellied Sneetches."
Let's look at this one from a different angle. Have you ever REALLY considered just how small you are in scope of the universe? No, really, you aren't even a speck. Watch this video - then try to puff out your chest of pride.
So who am I that God should be mindful of me? Nobody - absolutely nobody. But wait, the God who waved His hand and wiggled his fingers and created - for Himself - the heavens and the Earth, who cast every star into the night sky, knows me BY NAME!!!!!!!
William Shakespeare once posed a question. "What's in a name?" Our modern society usually places little significance on what we name our children other than the fact that it just "sounds good." Some names become so popular that it seems that many get the same name. Then, when those children start to school, there's a classroom full of children with similar first names. To know that God knows my name is something that has caught my attention. Oh yes, I have known that for some years, but it has become even more real to me over the last several weeks. Just imagine the God of a universe as magnificent as ours, with Him even knowing the stars all by name (Ps. 147:4) and yet, He knows me personally, calling me by name. The God who made the heavens and the earth in their entire vast array (Gen. 2:1) knows me by name! It's almost too much for my small mind to grasp.
I was at a local Thomasville restaurant last evening. I poured on my charm with the various employees and told them how much I loved their chicken strips. I really do, and I wanted them to know how much I appreciate what they do for me by prepring delicious food to "compliment my discriminating pallet." At the time I placed my order, there were two of us waiting to get our orders and take our food home to eat - "to go" orders. In just a few minutes, the guy who took my order handed me a bag and said, "Come to see us again, sir." He had to call me sir, because he doesn't know my name. I got home with my order, and it was NOT my order at all. I had before me a plate of pulled pork - not my much-anticipated chicken strips. The other "sir" got my food - and mine was a more expensive menu selection. One thing is for sure, with the Lord, we're not a number or some obscure name on a take-out sack, but we're known to Him by name. Our name means something to God and He knows each of us by our name.
Psalm 139 is a beautiful chapter and the thoughts David penned are thought provoking. To even see on paper the thoughts that God has concerning me is intriguing. That such a man as David could even ponder such things had to be God ordained to start with!
In this chapter I saw that God not only knows my name, but that He truly knows me, knows when I sit, when I rise, knows my every thought, knows when I go out, when I sleep and is familiar with all my ways. The Psalmist went on to say that even before a word is formed on my tongue, God knows it completely and that He has His hand upon me. He created my inmost being and knit me together in my mother’s womb. I just have to give Him praise, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made! (vs. 13-14)
No matter where I go I cannot get away from God’s presence because He is there. There have been times that I have wondered, “Where are you God?” But, I have learned that He will never leave me or forsake me. (Heb. 13:5) No matter if I go up high into the heavens or make my bed in the depths of the sea, He is there. (Ps. 139:8) I am amazed that the Father would come to the rescue when I whisper His Name. When I have a need, He is there. When I’m doubtful, He reassures me and He is there. When I’m worried, He is there to calm my fears. When I’m in tears, He is there to wipe them. When I’m at my lowest point, He is there to lift me. When I’m too weak to stand, He is there to lean on. When I need someone to wrap loving arms around me, He is there. Whenever I have no one to turn to, He is there. When I’m in need of a friend, He is there to stick closer than a brother. When I cry out to Him in the midst of adversity, He is there to hear me. When I am sad, He is there to make me glad. When I am heavy burdened, He is there to take my yoke upon Himself. When I’m restless, He is there to give me peace and quiets the stormy seas which threaten to overtake me. When I’m weary from the battle that has raged against me, He is there to fight for me. When I’m in a pit so deep that I don’t think I will ever get out, He is there to take hold of my hand and pull me out. Wherever I go, He is there. When I don’t think He’s there . . . He is! Why? Because He knows my name!
In Casting Crowns' song, “Who Am I?,” the question is asked......."Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt? Who am I, that the bright and morning star would choose to light the way for my ever wondering heart?" Yes, God is mindful of us and we are so important to Him that He engraved us on the palms of His hands. (Isa. 49:16) We are so significant to the Father that He indeed calls us by name. John 10:3 says: “He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” It is indeed an honor for the Father to call us by name and be mindful of us.
It was at this point in the writing of this "contemplation" when I was at a standstill on knowing what direction the Lord would have me take, when Mark Hall's voice echoed from the kitchen-placed Bose wave stereo system with one of his many songs of inspiration.
So, who am I? I'm God's precious child, carved in His very image, an object of His pure delight. Jesus paid it all, so all to Him I owe.
Father, I thank You that You surely know our names and know all about us. I pray for each of my friends and family reading this message and pray that they will make sure that their names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. What an honor to have our names written down for all eternity and that we will worship before the Throne of our God with great rejoicing. What an exciting time it will be for all the "overcomers" and all who have their garments spotless and white. Thank You Jesus for what You did for us on the cross of Calvary. Thank You for the Blood You spilled out for our sins. Thank You that You indeed love us so much that You would give Your life for us. We come in repentance asking You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness so that our robes will be washed spotless and white. Take away our every sin and make us white as snow. We will live our lives for You always. In Jesus's precious name.
Selah (סֶלָה )
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