God Knows Your Name

Read

Exodus 3:4-6 “When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ’Here I am.’ ‘Do not come any closer,’ God said. ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’ Then he said, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.”

Think

Have you ever had a substitute teacher who got everybody's name wrong?

“Is Owen here?” “Um, I'm Evan.” “Okay. Is there a Sofia?” “It's Sophie.” Pretty soon the whole class is giggling. It's funny, but it also feels a little weird. When someone mixes up your name, it feels like they don't really know you.

Now think about the people who say your name just right. Your mom or dad. Your grandma. Your best friend. When they call your name, you know you belong.

When Moses walked over to the burning bush, he heard someone call his name. And it was definitely not a substitute teacher.

God called out, “Moses! Moses!” God did not say, “Hey, you!” He did not say, “Excuse me, shepherd guy.” He called Moses by his name. Twice!

God knew exactly who Moses was. He knew where Moses grew up. He knew the mistakes Moses had made. He knew Moses was out in the desert taking care of sheep. And God still wanted to talk to him.

Moses answered, “Here I am.” That is a great answer. It means, “I'm listening. I'm ready.”

Then God told Moses to take off his sandals. Why? Because the ground was holy. Holy means special and set apart for God. God is so good and so perfect that the place where he shows up becomes special too. Taking off his sandals was a way for Moses to show respect. It is kind of like how we get quiet and still when something important is happening.

Moses was so amazed that he hid his face. Can you imagine standing that close to God?

Here is something awesome. The God who called Moses by name knows your name too. He knows how to spell it. He knows your nickname. He knows your favorite snack and the thing that makes you laugh the hardest. He knows when you are sad and when you are excited.

You are not just one kid in a big crowd to God. You are known. You are loved. When you talk to him, he is never confused about who you are.

So when God speaks to your heart, you can answer just like Moses did. “Here I am, God. I'm listening.”

Apply

Say “Here I am” – Find a quiet spot for one minute today. Close your eyes and say, “Here I am, God. I'm listening.” Then sit still and think about how much he loves you.

Pray

God, thank you for knowing my name. Thank you that I am never just a face in the crowd to you. Help me listen to you. Here I am. In Jesus' name. Amen.