And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. — John 11:43
I never thought much about the statement that kids will be kids until I was a father. Kids naturally tend to be carefree and oblivious to the things happening around them. As such, a parent often needs to help direct them back into the right focus. That is certainly the case with my son.
He will often ignore things we say, oblivious to what is happening around him. You can say his name, but he either doesn’t hear or chooses not to hear. While I think he often chooses not to listen, he knows when it is time to listen. If I start what I am saying with his name, he knows that I am speaking directly at him and no one else.
When someone says your name, it catches your attention. It causes you to focus on that person and to see what they are going to say. While the person may not always say something important, they will almost always get your attention when they say your name.
When Jesus called Lazarus’ name, he had been dead for several days. All his natural ability to listen was gone as far as this world was concerned. But that didn’t matter. His name was said by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He was called by name and told to come forth. Soon, he walked right out!
Has God called your name specifically about something in your life? Perhaps He has told you that you should do a certain thing. Maybe He has told you that you should stop doing certain things. Like a good father, God has called your name specifically, and you know that He is talking directly to you.
When He calls your name, listen! Instead of ignoring His voice, follow it and do what God would have you to do. He calls our name out of love, mercy, and grace. It’s much better to respond to His call than to wait until you have no choice.
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