… “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

Isaiah 43:1

Here’s a song you likely know: Zacchaeus was a wee little man; a wee little man was he! Zacchaeus was not just small in stature, but also had a small understanding of Jesus. He was also infamous because he was a tax collector. When Jesus and His disciples were walking through Jericho on their pilgrimage from Galilee to Jerusalem, he figured out how to get a glance of Him. So, “he climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see!” The biggest surprise: Jesus called his name: Zacchaeus, you come down. Not, “Hey, little fella!” Jesus knew his name! Why? Because Jesus knows everyone’s name, everyone’s history, everyone’s needs. Jesus calls you by your name through His word, like when He promises, Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest, for I’m going to your house today!

Dave Ebeling
Bloomington, IN

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me by name in my baptism. Amen. 

Reflect: Offer Christ-care to someone via personal conversation, a greeting card, or social media.

Read: Luke 19:1-10 and Isaiah 43