Healing Rays of Righteousness

It has always been difficult for me to remember the names of persons I have previously met, and am too embarrassed to say, “I need to ask, what is your name?”  And so, I often find it easier to continue conversation with someone without asking or speaking their name.

My reluctance in asking a person their name is because I fear the individual may think that their previous acquaintance and conversation with me was not of importance and value to me. Believe me, nothing is further from the truth. I know that there is no better sound than the sound of your own name being spoken and addressing you, and so, deeply regret my inability to quickly remember names.

I am reminded of this every time I read the first eighteen verses of John 10, where Jesus likens himself to a shepherd and us as his sheep. A first-century Palestinian shepherd lived with his sheep. He knew his sheep; he named his sheep; and each morning he would come to the sheepfold and “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (v.3).Then in verse fourteen, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.” 

It is so wonderful and reassuring for me to know that in the eyes and heart of Jesus, I am much more than a social security number or picture on a driver’s license. Jesus sees me as a person of great worth with a name. And like a good shepherd, Jesus knows my name and cares so deeply about me that he is willing to die for me.

And, according to Isaiah 49:15-16, God promises never to forget my name; “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

And earlier in Isaiah 40:11, God told Isaiah to shout out to the people that, “He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11). This is such a wondrous, comforting, and reassuring thought!

Furthermore, in Psalm 139, we hear David declaring that God knows about all our daily activities, circumstances, thoughts, and groaning laments, even before we speak them. In this psalm, David stands in awe before the Lord and is astounded by how thoroughly and intimately the Lord knows him. And then in verse seventeen, we hear David gratefully praising God, saying “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!”

Yes, in Jesus, you and I have an ever-loving, all-powerful shepherd, who calls us by name and daily provides and protects us. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4).

So be encouraged, my friend, even if I forget your name, God remembers and loves to speak your name, inviting you to come near to him for loving embrace, protection, and provision.

And, yes, I know that someday my memory of names will be as perfect as God’s.

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Ray M. Geigley – “Healing Rays of Righteousness” www.geigler13.wordpress.com – 10/02/25