CALLED BY A NEW NAME

It can be so rubbish when someone can’t remember your name. How important it is to feel noticed and loved! It is incredibly uplifting when we are picked out of a crowd, especially when we’re not expecting it.

Perhaps this is what Simon felt when Jesus renamed him. After Andrew was convinced that Jesus was the promised Saviour, he immediately found his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus (JOHN 1:41-42). Jesus looked at Simon and noticed something deeply true about him. Yes, Jesus saw the mistakes and hot-headed instincts that would get him into trouble. But more than that, He saw the potential of Simon to become a leader in the church. Jesus named him Cephas—Aramaic for Peter—a “rock” (JOHN 1:42; SEE MATTHEW 16:18).

And so it is with us. God sees our pride, anger and lack of love for others, but He also knows who we are in Jesus. He calls us His brand new children (ROMANS 5:9-10); forgiven, holy and loved (COLOSSIANS 2:13; 3:12); chosen and faithful REVELATION 17:14). Remember how God sees you and let that define who you are.

What I’m thankful for . . .

Thank You, Father, that You make me who I am. I do not need to try and impress You, Jesus has already done all the work to make me Your own child.

NO ONE CAN STEAL YOUR IDENTITY IN JESUS.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries