Jeshurun

Isaiah 44:1-4 (NRSV)

By John Grimm

What names do we go by?  Some of us have nicknames.  Some of us are known by our middle names.  We are known by our name.

God uses several names when he is talking to his people.  Israel and Judah, though designating the northern and southern kingdoms, are used in the prophets.  We are familiar with Zion, which typically refers to Jerusalem.  We call the land of Israel the Holy Land.  Here we read God calling Israel both Jacob and Jeshurun.  The name Jacob goes back to the time before Jacob wrestled with God and won. 

Jeshurun.  That is not a name we know for Israel.  God knows it.  He is letting Israel know that the same God who blessed them in Deuteronomy (32:15), is the same God who blesses them through Isaiah’s prophecy.  What a word of promise for Israel as they are facing dry ground and have little hope for their offspring!

How does God speak with us?  Do we hear God speaking our names?  Do I hear God speaking my name, a name that only God and those close to me use?

Lord, thank you for speaking through the prophets.  Thank you for speaking to us.  It is by listening to you that we find how well you know our situations.  You give us reassurance and promises for what is happening in our lives.  You do know us!  In the name of Jesus Christ, may we find all the blessings you have for us.  Amen.