My Name Will Be Called
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. – Isaiah 43:1
It was the last concert of the season at the middle school. My granddaughter looked so small among the hundred or so other choir members who lined
up on the bleachers. She is very quiet, but she had a determination to conquer her timidity and to sing. Taking part in the jazz choir took extra
courage because the participants had to perform some “scat” parts, which required stepping out from the rest of the choir and, with a microphone
in hand, delivering solo speaking parts in time to the music. This being the end of the season, the music director would present awards in several
categories after the intermission, the final one being a very special commendation with a plaque awarded to the winner.
While the director was rehearsing the accomplishments of the honoree, thoughts rushed through my mind: Wouldn’t it be nice for my granddaughter if
she won? It would be miraculous! No, she’s too quiet. She’s not aggressive enough, not bold enough. No, it won’t be her. I finally relaxed and
waited to see who the recipient would be. I will never forget the thrill of hearing my granddaughter’s name ring out through that auditorium and
seeing her tiny, amazed figure step up to take the award. She had won!
Thinking about how thrilling it can be to hear the right name called at the right time, nothing could be better than hearing our names spoken by Jesus
when He welcomes us to Heaven. I can just imagine my name being called out by the Lord, and the joy I will feel when He reaches out His
hand and ushers me into the mansion He has prepared for me. Then all sorrow and pain will be gone. The battles will be over and the trials will
be past. What a glorious day that will be!
We strive to do our best on earth and enjoy the accomplishments we can achieve, yet the greatest accomplishment by far will be attaining that heavenly
reward. May we strive to know our hearts are right with God, so we can hear Him call us by name in Heaven some day!