Now it gets up close and personal

There is a way to determine how close and personal a relationship is in everyday life.

This very same way also shows the desire for further advancement and intimacy, and it paves the way forward.

How?

It is when someone meets someone, and they call each other by their names.

This immediately cancels the superficial and platonic, the going-through-the-motions, the mere politeness and rhetoric of a relationship.

It gets deeper

If it is followed by a hug, the intimacy becomes a cemented tower of display that embraces even those whoever observes at a distance.

It is getting into each other's hearts!

How is this relevant to me?

What is described above, is exactly what Jesus did.

Isaiah prophesied it in Isaiaih 43:1 when God speaks to Israel (yiśrā'ēl translated as those who prevail in the power of God) and Jacob (or yaʿăqōḇ, that can be translated as heel catcher or those following in the steps of Jesus) saying:

Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Who is called by their name?

If it is not already apparent, this is what the whole Gospel is all about.

There is a New Testament Greek word that is being used all the time declaring that Jesus has called you out from amongst.

It is the word ekklēsia and it means exactly that! (remember this post?)

It does not mean church. The correct Greek word for church is kuriakos which only occurs in the Bible twice in very specific situations.

It is intimate to the max

In all other instances the word translated in our Bibles as church, is in fact ekklēsia (those called or called out from amongst).

He has called you by name.

You are called out from amongst.

Isn’t that just great?

Doesn’t that just take a load of your shoulders in terms of you trying to perform and do right to be accepted?

You already are … and He calls you by name …

You can just respond ...

lambanō