The Lodestar

This verse is God’s promise to Solomon in a dream or vision. Note the intimacy of God with his people, who call the people of Israel “my people”, and elaborate by adding “called by my name.”

God claims the nation evolved from slaves who escaped their bondage and spent forty years of their lives as wandering nomads, his people. That is the grand example of grace that God could only show. The title “My People” rings with ardent love, compassion, and intimacy.

The phrase “called by my name " further enhances the tone of intimacy. This phrase is taken from ancient Israelite marriage customs. Until the wedding day, a girl is known as the daughter of someone, but after the wedding, she is called the wife of the person she marries. In other words, his name will be called upon her.

The book of Isaiah alludes to this practice in ancient Israel. When the male population in Jerusalem falls due to war, there will not be enough men for women to marry. Since it is shameful to remain unmarried, seven women would catch hold of one man and plead with him to let them use his name so that they can consider themselves married. “And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, ‘We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach” (Isa 4:1).

Since the Lord has called his name upon His people (“called by my name”), those without identity have a new identity and an intimate relationship with their Redeemer, much like that of a married couple.

Jesus went a step further. He calls us “friends.” “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15).

God is incredible; though he lives in an unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16), He considers us his own.

Embrace your new identity as God’s beloved—no longer distant, but called by his name and invited into intimate friendship. Reflect on this truth today and deepen your relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and faithful trust. Take a moment now to affirm your identity in Christ.

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