Sunday, August 24, 2025

Names must be important because everybody has one. Names give us a sense of identity, who we are as an individual and the family we belong to. Names connect us to the people around us and are one of the building blocks that unite us in community. Names give us access to the lives of others, give us the ability to deepen relationships, and provide avenues for unique privileges as we live and work together. While our names unite us they also separate us from someone else in the crowd. Our names make us different, unique, and special.

When Moses traveled up to the top of Mount Sinai, God called him by name from within a burning bush. As the relationship was developing and trust being established, Moses asked a simple question, “What’s Your name again?”. God answered simply, clearly, and authoritatively, “I Am who I Am.”.

The Great I Am invites us into a new relationship with Him. God places His name on us and welcomes us into His family in the waters of Holy Baptism. He calls us by name and we are forever blessed. We have direct access to the Father through His Son, Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit we believe that because God loves us completely, we are equipped for service, joyful in all circumstances, and will never walk alone.