1, 2, 3 … 100 … 1000 … 10000 … million … trillion … zillion … infinity!
As the numbers grow big we stop counting. We assign them names. And when we lose count totally, we say “infinity!”
But, as usual, let us start with “One!” You are one among many. You have a name. It gives you an identity. You love it. It sums up the totality of your personality. It helps others relate to you in your family, in your workplace and even where names are called out from a list.
But then, even in a list there will be numbers. Your name will be entered against a number. And what if there are many many names. The numbers then get bigger and bigger. The list becomes unmanageable. Names are then given a backdoor preference. Numbers dominate. You and your name become known by a number. In other words, you become prey to the saddest invention of the modern timesyou become just a number! Another piece of statistics!
You then become just a drop in the vast sea of humanity. Who cares? Is it not this thought that can plague your mind and give you sleepless nights? Yes, man is suffocated today not by his enemies but by his own insignificance. Everywhere he is made to feel like a number. That means just one among so many.
But wait before you despair. There is One who is in charge of the big numbers. But the happy thing is that He knows each number by name. And the happiest thing is that He prefers to call you by name for it is precious to Him. The blessed thing is that He loves you and cares for you. And big numbers don’t terrify Him; neither are you a lost face in the crowd when He looks at you. Every moment you are under His watchful eye. He sleeps not.
Before you get to know Him more, let us know His power over the big numbers. Once He called out a man named Abram and asked him to come out of his tent. He challenged Abram to look up at the skies and count the stars if it were possible for him to count them! (Ref. Genesis 15:5)
Who is He? Why did He challenge Abram in this fashion? These are interesting questions. The answer is simple. He is in charge of all the big numbers. For example, try to count the stars. Scientists say that you might be able to count 6000 stars with your naked eye. With powerful telescopes maybe further. Then when it becomes countless we assign them names like million…trillion…zillion etc
But what about Him? It is written about Him: “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name” (Psalm 147:4 NIV). In another place this truth is once again repeated: “He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing” (Isaiah 40:26b NIV).
Surely it is amazing and mind-boggling! He is sure about the big numbers. Not only that, He even calls each one by name. And He is interested in you in a very special way. Think about it. If the numberless stars are each called by name; how much more are you known to Him? If all the people of the world can be counted; and we can recall many of those known to us, how much more can He do so?
This knowledge that He knows you by name is the cure for the modern disease of loneliness; feelings of alienation and rejection. No medicine can cure you of such feelings of worthlessness that plague you. A human presence and touch might possibly help. But when these are absent, who will help? None.
But even when no one comes to your help, He is there. And you are known to Him. But then you might ask, “How much does He know about me? You don’t understand my problem. It is too big. No one can handle that for me!” Well, that is accepted. But before you close your thoughts in despair, just think about this:
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” Jesus (Luke 12:6,7 NIV).
See, He knows you in a very special way (Read Psalm 139 to know more of this). Hold on to this special promise as yours: “But now, this is what the Lord says–he who created you, O Jacob [substitute the name Jacob with your name], he who formed you, O Israel [substitute the name Israel with your name]: `Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 NIV).
Yes, God is calling out to you now and asking you not to be afraid. Fear not! He knows you by name. You are not just another number in a numberless list of names. You are special to Him. You are numbered. But you are known by your name: “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:10 NIV).
Therefore, if you have struggled with feelings of loneliness; if feelings of rejection have wormed their way through your mind and body; know that this is your moment: To feel the touch of God on your life; to know deeply in your innermost being that He knows you by name. Yes, He cares. Cares enough to have the hairs on your head numbered. And (He is) big enough to count the stars and call them each by name. He is therefore able to help you. Trust in His care today!