To Be Called By His Name

John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt,

His name is my name too.

Whenever we go out,
The people always shout,
There goes John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt.

Dah dah dah dah, dah dah dah

This chorus is familiar to many children. It is listed as a nursery rhyme, scout song, bus song and even an informal parade song. My first memories of this tune are from an elementary school, playground game. Frequently during recess a large group of us would form a circle, holding our hands high. One person would be selected to be the initial John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt. We would all sing the chorus as the leader would weave in and out of the circle. On the final ‘dah’ of the chorus the leader would grab one hand of a person as he passed through.  Now that person joined as the newest ‘John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt’. The course would be repeated over and over; each time adding a new member to the chain. As the chain got longer and longer, the circle got smaller and smaller. 

I remember standing in that circle hoping that the next chorus would finish with my hand being the one chosen. I so wanted to be a part of the group that was weaving in and out and to becalled by the name of John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt. Waiting for my turn to join this group was sometimes unbearable. As silly as the name sounded, I so wanted to be called by it. 

All these years later I am so happy to be called by another name. This name is Christian, or follower of Jesus Christ.  In the Gospels we find many people who sought out Jesus. Zacchaeus climbed tree to be able to see Him. (Luke 19)  Nicodemus came in the night so that his fellow Pharisees would not be aware of the meeting. (John 3)  The sick, the hungry and the sinners all came in droves just to hear Jesus speak. He welcomed them all and offered them the right to be called by his name. “But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name” (John 1:12 AMP) 

Being called by someone’s name the Jesus is the result of being closely associated with that person. We are called by his name as soon as we receive his offer of a new relationship. Jesus offers us forgiveness and mercy only confess our sins and ask for his salvation. We exchange a old life of sin and death for eternal life paid for by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

 After the death of Jesus there was a great persecution of the early church. At this time the people were sarcastically called ‘followers of the way’ because they chose to live a life according to the teachings of Jesus. Paul was among these persecutors. “… so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way [of life as determined by faith in Jesus Christ], he might bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:2 AMP)  After Paul’s conversion, he began traveling and preaching the gospel. In Antioch those who received his message of the grace Jesus offers were now being called Christians.  “…and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26b AMP)   The literal meaning of the name Christian is “Little Christ.”  Because the believers were acting like Jesus they were given these new names. 

Today people receive salvation in the name of Jesus in the same way.  We hear the good news of His grace, mercy and forgiveness.  Then we choose to believe it and follow in His teachings. There is no good reason to put this decision off.  “For He says, In the time of favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2 AMP)  God longs to welcome you into the family that bears His name. 

As I stood in the circle of that game, I knew I wanted my hand to be chosen to be part of the chain of children who were all called John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt. Jesus is extending His hand today to each of us. We can take it and join the multitude who have already been called by His name. We can follow Him through this life.  We can also take the hands of others and bring them along with us in this great faith walk. 

If you have not already called on Jesus, know that He is waiting for you now. Take His hand and His name.