Feb 25 – Called by Name!

“Then the king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’” (Daniel 6:20)

The Lord is One who calls us by name. Even before we were born into this world—while we were still in our mother’s womb—He foreknew us and chose us for Himself. When He calls us by name, our whole being is filled with divine joy and awe.

Daniel’s parents gave him a meaningful name. The name Daniel means “God is my Judge.” Every time Daniel heard his name, a holy reverence must have arisen within him. The thought, “There is a God who judges my life; therefore I must live in the fear of God,” would surely have shaped his heart.

However, when Daniel was taken to Babylon, they gave him the name Belteshazzar (Daniel 1:7), which means “Baal protects me.” Yet that name did not last.

Daniel lived in accordance with his original name, fully conscious that the Lord alone was his Judge. He lived blamelessly before both God and men. That name continually produced holiness within him.

We read in Scripture that King Darius cried out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God!” Imagine the joy that must have flooded Daniel’s heart when a king addressed him as a servant of the living God!

When people hear your name, they too should recognize that you are a servant of the living God. They should know that you worship God continually. How glorious it would be if people did not merely call your name casually, but identify you as a man of God or a woman of God!

When we look at how the Lord Himself addressed Daniel, we find these beautiful words: “O Daniel, man greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11). Again, “O man greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:19). And once more, “for you are greatly beloved” (Daniel 9:23). Oh, what a glorious calling that is!

Beloved children of God, pause and consider how sweet it would be if the Lord lovingly called you, “My beloved one.” Will you choose to live a life that is pleasing to Him, so that He may call you by that name?

Verse for further meditation: “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17)