Where Everybody Knows Your Name!

The sheep hear His voice, and He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:3

One of our favorite television comedy series was “Cheers” which aired for eleven years. It was the highest rated comedy on television from 1982 until 1993. The series, which was set in a bar, had an interesting mesh of characters who stopped by the bar every day after work. The owner, Sam, was an ex-pro baseball relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, a recovering alcoholic, and the bartender. The rest of the cast included: Norm, a beer loving accountant, Carla, the sarcastic waitress, Cliff, the “know it all” letter carrier, Diane, the beautiful, intelligent, but snobby waitress, and Frasier, the psychologist.

This comedy series showed people who cared about each other, and who accepted each other in spite of their failings, frailties, and idiosyncracies. They shared an emotional bond, were committed to one another, and everybody knows each other’s name. Norm would always open the door and say “Good afternoon or evening everyone”, and the crowd would reply in unison, “Norm”! Everyone knew his name.

It’s a good feeling when people know your name. Growing up in a small town, there were very few people who didn’t know each other’s name, and it was comforting to know that no matter what, we could call on each other. After I married Randy, it became apparent that Mickler can be pronounced many different ways, and only those who know us really know our name.

The right name is essential, and it is comforting that Jesus knew all his sheep by name and He led them. Jesus was called everything from Rabbi, to the Good Samaritan, to sinner, but he was also called the Good Shepherd. Just like He knows our name, it’s essential that we know His name and can call Him by His name because He gives us life.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he gives to us, his sheep, if we will listen and obey. The first thing I think the shepherd gives us is direction. Just like sheep without direction, we will lose our way. Edward Markham, a poet laureate, who was close to retirement discovered that the banker who had been taking care of his financial affairs had stolen his money. He was so angry and bitter that he found he couldn’t write. God says you must forgive or it will destroy you. The Good Shepherd doesn’t lead us down an easy path, but rather a path for His name sake and His glory.

The Good Shepherd gives us courage to face life’s devastating situations. The story is told of Jerry, a restaurant manager was always had a good attitude and was always doing good. One morning as he was opening up, three armed men confronted him and forced him to open the safe. While opening the safe, Jerry’s hand slipped, the men took that move as aggression, shot him, and left him for dead. Fortunately, the alarm was triggered and when the EMT’s arrived, they asked Jerry if he was allergic to anything. He replied, “Yes, bullets. Ask the surgeon to operate on me like I am alive not dead.” Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. The Good Shepherd knows my name.

Finally, the Good Shepherd gives us peace. Every year James Moore, the treasurer of the NY Philharmonic would go to Andrew Carnegie to make up the shortfall of funds. One year Mr. Carnegie said, “Why don’t you go to others and give them a chance to help and I will match whatever funds you receive?” A few days later, Mr. Moore called Mr. Carnegie to report that they had received an individual check for $30,000! “Who gave that check?” asked Mr. Carnegie. The answer came back to him, “It was Mrs. Carnegie.” The Good Shepherd knows our name.

Everything doesn’t fall on our shoulders individually. We don’t need to wear anxiety, fear, worry, or anxiousness on our shoulders. Remember, Jesus put the sheep on His shoulders and carried it. Things that take away our peace are on his shoulders. He knows our name.

It is so comforting to know that when we arrive in our heavenly home and throw open the door, just like Norm, everybody will call out our name! Not only will Jesus know our name, but also, everybody there will know our name and welcome us home.

The theme song from “Cheers” says it best. Making our way in the world today takes everything you’ve got; Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, And they’re always glad you came; You want to be where you can see, Our troubles are all the same; You want to be where everybody knows your name.