Name Calling

I was on my way into the church for the funeral service of my former student, Jill, when I heard someone calling my name. “Jim Musser!” Recognizing the voice, I excitedly turned around to see two other former students coming toward me and another just pulling into the parking lot. I say, “excitedly,” because I was entering the church alone and had no idea how many people I would know. At the funeral of another former student last month, I entered the funeral home and found no one that I knew. No one besides the staff acknowledged my presence. It was just not a good feeling in that situation. I didn’t want a repeat experience.

To hear my name meant so much to me. To see people I hadn’t seen in nearly 20 years thrilled my heart, though the reason we were reunited made it bittersweet. During the next three hours and afterwards at a nearby restaurant we hugged, we cried, we worshipped, and we celebrated the wonderful, but short life of our sister in Christ. Her name was spoken countless times during our conversations before and after the service, and by those who knew her best during the celebration of her life. 

Her name represented a relationship each of us had with her. Some were of a very deep, intimate nature, while others less so. Still, her name was significant to each of us and evoked unique memories in our minds. 

At the moment Jill breathed her last breath, I believe there was another who called her name, and I believe she knew exactly who it was. Turning around with that effervescent smile of hers, she saw the One for whom she had lived most of her life. I can imagine the gratifying hug they gave each other, so thrilled to be together.

Each of our names are representative of our lives and value when spoken by friends and those close to us. To hear our names spoken with intonations of joy is such a blessing and reassures us of our value. When the Lord spoke to Moses, he said, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” (Exodus 33:17) The Lord also spoke to Israel through his prophet Isaiah, saying, “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1) And the resurrected Jesus proclaimed, “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” (Revelation 2:17)

Names represent to the people who know us qualities and associations that others do not know. Our name called by a receptionist in a doctor’s office or by a professor taking attendance in a classroom does not have the same meaning as when our name is called by a friend. Now imagine your name being called by the Lord of all creation. 

When Jill heard her name called in the heavenly realm, I am sure she turned and then never looked back. She heard her name spoken with joy and that was all she needed to hear.

©Jim Musser 2021 All Scripture references are from the New International Version, 2011.