He Knows Your Name

“When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ Nathanael answered him, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ “– John 1:48-49

As I was driving home from college a few weekends ago, the song “He Knows My Name” came on. I have listened to the song countless times and many of those have been accompanied by me singing it at the top of my lungs, but it wasn’t until that weekend that I just let the song play through and listened and carefully considered each word.

“He made the mountains and the seas, he’s in control of everything- of all creatures great and small. And He knows my name.”

God created all things, that include you. He can make things so vast, so big, so mighty, so beautiful, and still thought the world needed an itty bitty one of you.

That same weekend, the sermon message at my church was from John 1, and when Jesus acquires the first disciples. Nathanael was a man who couldn’t be fooled, so he had to come to meet this Jesus himself. Jesus knows immediately who Nathanael is, and because of this, he decides to follow Jesus. Earlier, in the same passage, He proves He knows exactly who Simon Peter is, as well by addressing him by his name.

Today, I am telling you we need to all be a little bit more like Nathanael. We need to follow Jesus and be willing to address Him as Lord God, King and Teacher just because He knows our names too.

Jesus takes it a step further and tells him that if he is impressed by Jesus just knowing his name, just wait until he sees what else is in store because the works he will witness will be far greater than this. (John 1:50) That same invitation is extended still today. If we allow Jesus in, He will show us greater things than we could imagine for ourselves. He knows your name, among all of Creation. You, right where you are, are known fully by the Savior of the world. He cares enough to order every step, calls you by name, and provides. Let Him do it.