Upper Room Daily Devotionals...

Called by Name

Thursday's Devotional

The sheep hear [the shepherd's] voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
-John 10:3 (NRSV)

I loved visiting the farm where my uncle raised goats. In the evening about milking time, the cheerful lights of the barn were turned on and the goats would line up at the door. This was a special moment of the day when each goat received special attention from my uncle. He would call a name, and one by one the goats got on the milking stand. There they were relieved of their heavy burden of milk.

My uncle would speak to each goat as he milked her. His muscular hands stroked them as he looked each one over for cuts or bruises. When this process was over, each goat would jump down and go to her own stall where supper was waiting. These goats were well cared for.

God knows that we too need attention. We are included in God's flock. How wonderful that God cares deeply and personally about each one of us! Our Creator knows us and calls us by name.

Prayer for the Day...

Thank you, God, for calling us by name and giving us your personal attention. Accept our humble gratitude through Christ our shepherd and Lord as we pray, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."* Amen.

Thought for the Day...

God calls each one of us by name.

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