2 CHRONICLES 7:14

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

TO PONDER

Names are interesting things. I don't know if you have ever seen those displays of gift items outside a newsagent or gift shop, they usually have cards, posters, bookmarks or coffee mugs with a persons name printed on it and then either the meaning of that name or sometimes also a list of character traits that are supposed to summarise what people with that name might be like. I am usually amazed at how accurately these kinds of items describe the people that I bring to mind who have the names that adorn these gift items. I am probably even more amazed when I find one with the name Mathew and how well it describes me!

It makes me wonder what it means to be 'called by God's name' like the passage from Chronicles talks about. Surely, if being 'called' by my name all my life has led me to act and behave some what predictably like a 'Mathew' then surely as we are called by God's name, we should grow and mature in that name and that calling to more closely resemble the character of God, which we see and understand most clearly as shown to us in his son Jesus Christ.

And what are those characteristics that people called by the name of God display. Well they are articulated differently at different places throughout scripture but here in Chronicles it is humility, prayer, seeking God, and turning from evil. So consider that today whenever someone calls your name, consider how you will respond as one called by the name of God. How will you respond with humility, prayer, and concern for what God might be up to in your interactions with others?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of being called by your name and adopting me into your family through your son Jesus. Please empower me with your Spirit to live in the new identity that I have in you and to grow each day into that new identity. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle