Known by name.

It was, as is so often the case, an afterthought. The helpful French lady and her daughter had driven off when it occurred to me that I didn’t even know their names. I wished that I had taken a photograph, and obtained some details. I did think to give them a visiting card – but one that didn’t have my e-mail address!

My little mind started working. One of the (many!) wonderful things about being a follower of the Lord Jesus – God the Son – is the assurance that He knows me by name. From Moses (Ex.33:7), through even the pagan king, Cyrus, (Is.45:4); to the overcomer, whose name will be confessed by the Lord Jesus, before God the Father (Rev.3:5); this close personal relationship is made clear - and is both the joy, and the privilege, of the true follower of the Christ.

It would be nice to think that the lady from Fontenay-le-Comte and/or her daughter would think to make contact with us through a comment on this blog. It would be good to even be able to develop a friendship. But my lack of forethought may have ensured that no relationship is ever established. How good to know that, from before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4) He knew me, and loved me, and determined to suffer in my place that I might then know Him, and the power of His resurrection (Phil.3:10), and have the assurance that I will spend eternity – whatever its form may be – in His presence.

Hallelujah!