THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 5TH APRIL 2025, SATURDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 5th April 2025 written by Susan H. Aaron (Florida, USA)
TOPIC: Known by Name
Today’s Reading
Genesis 32:22-32
The Lord said, “Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1 (CEB)
My husband is intentional about asking for someone’s name or looking for their name tag and then using it in an encouraging, conversational way. When speaking to a salesclerk, for example, he might say, “Lily — that reminds me of springtime,” or, “Jacob — that’s a Bible name!” Our names personalize us and are openings to further conversation. My husband’s intentionality reminds me that the store clerk I interact with is Sally, who has hopes and dreams of her own. The person who delivers my mail is not a nameless postal carrier but Sam, who has a life, a family, and a story.
In the Bible, names especially have meanings that point to the bearer’s destiny or purpose or that reflect God’s work in their life. For example, Jacob became Israel, Saul changed to Paul, and Simon was called Peter. God has shown us that names have value, even in naming his Son.
We are each important, and our individual names reflect our worth. We can recognize the inherent worth of each person — each child of God — by acknowledging and encouraging (by name whenever possible) the people we encounter each day.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to acknowledge each individual we encounter today, remembering that you have created them in your image. Amen.
Thought for the Day
I will respect and encourage each person I encounter.
Prayer Focus
To see God’s image in others
The Upper Room Devotional 5th April 2025, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More