Isaiah 43:1 - Name Tags

We've all been to functions where people have to wear name tags. Maybe no one knows each other, or maybe people sort of know each other, but not really well. And so the sponsors of the event have everyone wear a name tag. Maybe they're already nicely printed out for you ahead of time--the kind in plastic sleeves of some sort. Maybe you're given a blank, white sticker and a Sharpie to write your own name.

You finally get your name tag on, hopefully right-side up. Out of the corner of your eye, you see someone tentatively approaching you from the side. But they aren't looking at your face. They're trying to sneak a peek at your name tag before you notice what they're doing. They don't know you from Adam OR Eve, but then they finally look you in the eye and say, "Hello Ken" as if you've been great friends for years.

Admittedly, I've done the same thing, too. It's especially embarrassing when poor handwriting makes it difficult to read their name tag. You're staring at their name tag and look up just in time to see that they are staring at you, staring at their name tag. Maybe that's one reason my wife hates name tags. It creates an artificial sense that someone knows you--or vice versa.

There are no such games with God:

"But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.'" (Isaiah 43:1, New Living Translation)

The God that created us is the same God that still knows us, ransomed us, and calls us by name because we belong to Him. No name tags are necessary.

Thank you, Father, that when we come to You in prayer, we don't have to be wearing a name tag. You know us. May we rest in that place of ransomed by You. In Jesus' name--a name that needs no name tag, Amen.