Hearing our name spoken makes an impression on us one way or another. Whenever my mother asked in an authoritative voice, "Haddon William Robinson, what are you doing?" I knew she wasn't seeking information. But hearing "Haddon William Robinson" read in stately tones as I strode across the platform at graduation had a very different feel.

Names convey a sense of who we are and how others relate to us. Before the Messiah came into the world, He declared, "The Lord has called Me from the womb; . . . He has made mention of My name" (Isa. 49:1). That demonstrated the special relationship the Messiah had to God the Father.

What is even more exciting is that this relationship extends through Jesus to us. Because of Christ, we who trust in His completed work on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins have been adopted into the family of God (Rom. 8:15; Eph. 1:5). When we trust Christ as our Savior and Lord, He calls us by name (Jn. 10:3).

What a privilege! And what a comfort to those of us who place our faith in Christ! God loves us more than we can imagine. He has sworn never to let us go (Jn. 10:27-30).

Do you hear Him calling you?  — Haddon W. Robinson