by Wendy Reynolds

Isn’t wonderful when you unexpectedly bump into an old friend, recognize them, and they turn and greet you by name?  This happened recently and I delight in an elementary school friend knowing me by name as soon as she turned and saw me in line. To not only look familiar but to have my name remembered was special.  I can not report that this friendship was renewed; elementary school was a long, long time ago. But the chance encounter has left me smiling – she remembered my name!!

Then on Sunday the pastor shared from Luke 16, the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, as I have continued to sit with the story and what was shared I have been pondering why some remember my name and other acquaintances do not.  Lazarus and the Rich Man die – Lazarus is in heaven and the Rich Man in hell, the passage tells us Lazarus’ name and even details of his life, “he desired to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.  Even the dogs came and licked his sores.(v 21)” All I am told about the Rich Man is that he was rich, had a table and only because it effected Lazarus’ life, God doesn’t even tell me the Rich Man’s name.

I’ve been challenged by this passage, God knew details of Lazarus’ life, He knew and tells us his name, and for me this shows interaction, a relationship between Lazarus and God.  He knew details; he saw the sores and was aware of the dogs caring for this man.  God knew the other by what he did – Got rich, lived rich and died rich. Abraham refers to him as ‘son’ a title for a younger man, not out of relationship.  And again, I realize that I want to be known by name.  I desire for God to know about the wounds I’d like to cover up, the disappointments I that carry.  I want to know Him, to hear Him tell the story of my life and how it can bring Him glory.