Too often we talk and think about the Atonement as a group event (perhaps because of the enormity of the implications) when it was (as we should know deep down) acted out on a basis of individuals. It was worked out for each of us individually by a Savior who loves and knows us individually.
Christ called Cyrus, a Persian king, by name in Hebrew scripture for a specific mission a century before He was even born.
Cyrus was called to send the Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. When Cyrus saw his name in Hebrew scripture he said “who was I to refuse the God of Israel who called me by name?” He did as he was called to do.
When we are called by a new name it represents that we are a new person. Our greatest hope is to have Him give us His name.
McConkie – Gospel Symbolism
Consider the many names to which I am connected in the gospel.
- David
- James
- Miller
- Abraham
- Isaac
- Jacob
- Joseph
- Ephriam
- Christ
- Mormon
I wonder if there is some power evoked by not recording the names of people who have given real offense to us. Is that an instance of not mingling the names of the wicked with the names of the righteous? (Not making any judgment about who is who in any given case.) Whether this is true or not, recording by name those for whom we hold grudges can do nothing positive and may help to perpetuate the negative emotions.
Sheep follow the shepherd who calls to them while goats are driven before their goatherd. If the shepherd is the goatherd walks to his left the goats will be on His left while the sheep are on his right.