How many friends, family members and acquaintances do you know that addresses people not by their given names, but rather by using a euphemism (a mild or indirect word or expression) that in most cases depicts an endearing term that shows hospitality and love?
For example, I often greet family and friends by saying, “Hello Lovie. How are you?” If a conversation pursues, I’m guilty of peppering my sentences with “Lovie” a few more times to make a point. Now, I’m not saying that this is all bad. I’m just saying that this week my eyes were opened to the realization that perhaps I might want to just curtail using the expression of “Lovie” as a substitute for addressing a person by their legitimate name.
Here is why…
This week my bible prayer group started reading 1st Samuel, a book in the Bible. A very popular story in that book is the one about the young lad, Samuel, who had a dream while living in a priestly commune (temple) with the prophet Eli. Samuel was awakened from his dream twice by someone calling him. Samuel thought it was Eli so he got up and went to Eli. Since Eli had not been the one who called unto Samuel, Eli instructed Samuel what to say if he heard his named called a third time. Finally, the Lord did call his name again, but this time He called out, “Samuel! Samuel!” and He got Samuel’s attention. Samuel’s response was, “Here I am Lord. Speak, for your servant is listening” (1st Samuel 3:1-10).
I am very familiar with that story as I am sure you are too. But this time Samuel’s encounter with the Lord really got my attention and I wondered how many times was a double salutation used to call somebody in the Old and New Testaments. My research revealed that throughout all sixty-six books in the entire Bible, only nine people and one city were addressed by calling their names twice.
I immediately called upon the Holy Spirit and asked if we could have a little conversation…
In my spirit I began to realize that every time an individual was called by name twice, he or she was elevated to a greater and higher position of importance in the scheme of things in the Bible.
- Abraham! Abraham! He became the Father of Many Nations . (Genesis 22:11-13)
- Jacob! Jacob! He became a great nation siring 12 tribes. And his name was changed to Israel. (Genesis 46:1-4)
- Moses! Moses! He was assigned to become a deliverer of God’s people. (Exodus 3:1-10)
- Samuel! Samuel! He was young at the time, but God was grooming him to be a priest, prophet, and judge. (1 Samuel 3:1-10)
- Martha! Martha! She was the sister to Mary and Lazarus. Martha was taught from being anxious about many things in life. (Luke 10:38-42)
- Simon! Simon! Also known as Peter. He learned to rely on Jesus instead of his own self. (Luke 22:31-32)
- Saul! Saul! Also known later as Paul. He changed from persecuting Christians to teaching them. (Acts 9:4)
- Lord! Lord! This was the title people began to use with their lips but not with their hearts. (Matthew 7:21-22, 25:11: Luke 6:46; 13:25)
- Eloi! Eloi! Definition for “My God, My God” that people still call on today. (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1)
- Jerusalem! Jerusalem! The name given to the only city in the Bible that was elevated to prominence. (Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34)
This is the conclusion of the matter…
If and when God calls your name TWICE, will you recognize him and answer the call? Will Jesus get your attention? I truly believe that God has a place and an assignment for each and every one of us to perform. He is no respecter of person. What he has done for others, he will do for you! So, for goodness sake…don’t miss it when God calls your name…TWICE!
My prayer for you…
Dear Heavenly Father: First of all, I want to thank You for knowing our names and just where we are at any given moment. We also wish to thank You for Your divine organizational structure, for it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 that “There is timing and purpose for everything in God. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…And a time to heal.” So, dear Jesus, please find all of us in good health, good spirits, good moral living conditions, and good hearts for service in Your vineyards. May we all use good common sense and good judgment and be submissive to the instructions of the Holy Spirit and to always remember that love never fails when carrying out Your decrees and directions for our lives. We humbly come laying these prayers at the feet of Jesus. Amen!
2:22I’ll Be Somewhere Listening For My Name
Scripture Lesson: He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (2 Timothy 1:9 NIV)
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Conversations With God Using Scripture 
Hallelujah and Amen!!
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Yes, Sister Kristi Ann, your name was called some time ago. And your life of service for God’s kingdom is the assurance that you answered His call. Isn’t it sweet to belong to a family of believers?
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Another excellent message, sweet sister. I’ve always loved that story about Samuel. So amazing that God already had a plan for his life and called him at such a young age. I remember reading that story as a new Christian and thinking how wonderful it would be to hear God audibly call my name like that. Though if I did hear Him it would probably scare me to death! I’ll settle for hearing Him in my heart. Blessings to you!
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No need to fear God’s audible voice, my dear. Get use to it. Because that is what we will hear at the Second Coming. A mighty and majestic ROAR!!! “You have been faithful over a few things, now let me bring you up here and make you master over many.” Oh, how I long to hear that call.
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Amen!! I can hardly wait to hear that call. ❤
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That makes sense. I had never thought about the repetition of a name, although I knew when Jesus says “Truly, truly … ” we’d better sit up and take notice. I wonder about when He says my name THREE times..? I sometimes picture Him sighing and shaking His head and saying: “Annie, Annie, Annie …”
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I Jesus sighs, shakes His head and has to call your name 3 times…look out! Whatever you are engaged in you had better stop. And I mean fast. But since you have chosen the nomenclature of “seekingdivineperspective”, Jesus knows you are a work in progress and He will have mercy on you. So put your listening ears on and sing that happy song in the blog. Position yourself somewhere listening for your name.
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