What's In a Name

Over the last decade I have read and reread Eugene Peterson's book Leap Over A Wall, finding both challenge and encouragement from his reflections on the life of David. His insight into the story of David's anointing by Samuel has served as a frequent and timely companion, a necessary reminder and needed source of assurance. Peterson points out that in the narrative found in I Samuel 16:1-13, David's name is not revealed until the very end. Up to that point, he is dismissively referred to by his father only as the "baby brother," the one left tending the sheep. His position and lack of prominence in the family is clear: left out of the celebration, charged with menial tasks, and labeled, not by name, but simply as the "youngest."

Then the story takes an interesting turn. The "baby," the one of insignificance within the family hierarchy, is chosen king. In this surprising moment of anointing, we read that "the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power." (vs. 13) Did you catch that? The Spirit came upon, not the baby, but David. The very first mention of David's name is in conjunction with the Spirit of God. While others dismissed him with labels of insignificance, God, seeing what others could not see, called him by name.

We get tagged with labels of all kinds, and some of them seemingly hold the power to drain away any sense of significance and value. But the story of David tells us that our significance is not found in the labels, titles, or judgments the world attaches to us. There is Someone who is not swayed or confined by the opinions of others, but truly knows us. He calls us by name, breaking the power of the world's dismissive labels. To be named is to be honored, and in calling us by name God assures us that we are chosen, that within the vastness of this universe we are seen and known, that there is indeed purpose, value, and importance in who we are.

When you are dismissed, disregarded, and devalued by those around you, listen for the voice that calls you by name. Come back to the story of David and see yourself in this story of God and His people, trusting that you too are chosen. As Peterson said, "It's the intent and skill of this scriptural storyteller to turn everyone who reads or hears the story into realizing something essentially Davidic about him- or herself: 'In my insignificant, sheep-keeping obscurity, I am chosen.'" No matter where you are this moment, no matter how you feel about yourself, despite what others might have said about you, you have been chosen by One who knows your name.