God Knows Your Name

Monday, July 3, 2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.

Memory verse: John 10:27-28...27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Today's reading: JOB 25-27 ACTS 12

God Knows Your Name

Our reading today in Acts tells of Peter's jail-house break where an angel came in at night and released Peter from two chains, locked doors, and made him invisible from the guards as he walked right out in front of them all.

We do not want to read too quickly. Just before that we read just a mention of the beheading of James, brother of John(Sons of Thunder).(Acts12:2)

In the gospel of Mark, the names of the twelve apostles are given and James is number two on the list-only after Peter. Jesus had three with whom He was closest-Peter, James, and John.

King Herod was starting to round the 'Christians' up and James was beheaded. That is the last mention of James. (The new testament book of James was written by James, brother of Jesus.)

James was chosen by Jesus and was one of His three closest friends-yet-was just gone. He didn't get to write any books(letters). He is not remembered as some are in importance.

James was a 'son of thunder'. A term the scholars think Jesus used because of the commotion the two brothers caused. James had great zeal for the Lord and worked hard for the kingdom.

Some of us are like that. Some don't write letters; they just let their lives do the talking. They walk with Jesus with their names in the Book of Life. Jesus is seen in their lives but no mention is made of them after they are gone.

James was not close to Jesus for the fame. Jesus did not choose James to be one of fame, He chose James because of his heart and the 'behind-the-scenes' work that he was to accomplish. How do we know? We know Herod had him locked up and then beheaded. He was marked by God and man. There was no question as to whom James belonged.

If they started rounding up Christians today would they come looking for you? Would you be hard to identify? Would you answer their accusations the way Peter did and say, "I don't know Him" or could you tell the truth?

Most of us will never be remembered in history but will be remembered by those who saw us walking with Jesus-those who asked us why we act the way we do-those who see hope in us-those to whom we speak the words of life.

God knows your name-not your name as the author of an earthly book but your name He has written in His book-forever.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me my fears and give me Your strength to speak out and live Jesus in front of the world. Thank you for calling my name.

Merciful and loving God!

In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord,

Amen