Devotion

What's Your Name?

Often this is one of the first questions we might ask of someone to get to know each other.

Names are very helpful. Names help identify us. Our first names are often chosen carefully by parents and have meaning. I wonder what your name means?

Our surnames have a family connection and show who we are connected to and belong.

Names also give us access. When we know someone’s name we can speak it to get their attention and then talk with them. Sometimes we might even use nicknames in a more familiar, friendly and connected way.

Behind a name is a picture of thoughts about that person. I wonder what picture your name gives you?

God also has a name. In fact, God has a few names. Names like Lord, Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ.

God’s name, Jesus, is a very special name. This was a name given to Jesus when he was born (Luke 2). Jesus comes from the name Joshua and means “God saves”. So whenever we hear the name, “Jesus”, we can hear the meaning behind this name that God saves/rescues/redeems us. We can also see God through Jesus. The same Jesus that was born at Christmas is God. That is who God is for us. God, in Jesus, comes as a baby, a person, and as one of us.

Jesus is a name that we can use to talk to God. Through Jesus we have access and friendship, and even more importantly, we are family.

For God knows your name too. God created you, formed you, saved you, calls you by your name, and says you are mine (Isaiah 43:1). Like we have our names written on clothing like school uniforms and hats, God’s name is written on us. God’s name – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is given to us at baptism, shared at the start of worship, and often in the blessing at the end. These are all reminders that God knows our names and calls us his. But not as a possession but as a family member. As family we inherit God’s name, like our surname we also have God’s name as our family name.

As a family member, we can talk to God through his name anytime we need or want. He loves hearing from us as he knows us, loves us and we are his.

Enjoy talking to God through Jesus.

Pastor Richard Fox

Sunday Service Times at Good Shepherd

2025 Worship Song Playlist

Do you find yourself wondering what songs we sing in Wednesday Worship? Do your children come home singing some of the songs? We would like to invite you to our Good Shepherd School Worship Song Playlist on YouTube. To find a selection of songs that we sing, click here and start singing along!