Good Morning
Grab your Bible and say this with me:
This is my Bible
I am what it says I am
I have what it says I have
I can do what it says I can do.
Today I will be taught more of the Word of God
I boldly confess my mind is alert
My heart is receptive.
I will never be the same.
I am about to receive the incorruptible, indestructible, ever-living seed of the Word of God.
I will never be the same
I'll never be the same, in Jesus’ Name—Amen.
Turn with me in your Bible to Exodus 28:8–10 and say, "Amen" when you are there.
“Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen. Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel… as a memorial for the sons of Israel.”
INTRODUCTION: GOD CARRIES YOUR NAME
In this passage, God is giving Moses specific instructions for the High Priest’s garments. The ephod wasn’t just clothing—it was a symbol of spiritual authority, responsibility, and identity.
On the shoulders of the High Priest were two onyx stones, and on each stone were engraved the names of the tribes of Israel.
Why?
God said it was “a memorial”—a reminder that the people of God were carried into God’s presence every time the priest ministered.
The message is simple and powerful:
God carries your name on His shoulders.
He bears your burdens.
He does not forget you.
POINT 1 — YOU ARE ENGRAVED, NOT WRITTEN IN PENCIL
The names weren’t scribbled, stitched, or temporarily marked—they were engraved into stone.
Permanent. Unchanging. Unremovable.
Child of God, you are not barely remembered.
You are not on a Post-It note on God’s desk.
You are engraved on His heart and carried on His shoulders.
Isaiah 49:16 echoes this:
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”
Your past cannot erase you.
Your failures cannot delete you.
Your struggles cannot remove you.
Your name is carved into the memory of God.
POINT 2 — GOD CARRIES WHAT YOU CANNOT
The High Priest carried the names of all the people on his shoulder—the place of strength.
This means:
God carries what you cannot carry.
Are you weighed down?
Is something too heavy for you today?
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28:
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
What you can’t carry, He wants to carry for you.
POINT 3 — YOU ARE REPRESENTED BEFORE GOD
Every time the priest entered the Holy Place, the names of the tribes went with him.
They never stood before God alone—**they were represented**.
And today, Jesus—our High Priest—brings your name before the Father.
Hebrews 7:25 says:
“He lives to intercede for them.”
He’s praying for you.
He’s speaking your name.
He’s lifting you before the Father right now.
A pastor once visited a nursing home where an elderly woman sat alone each day. She had no family and no visitors. One day he asked her, “Do you ever feel forgotten?”
She smiled gently and said,
“Oh, I know my memory isn’t what it used to be. I forgot my sister’s birthday. I forgot where I put my keys… but there’s one thing I never worry about—God never forgot my name. He doesn’t write it on paper… He carved it on His hands.”
Then she said something beautiful:
“As long as my name is in His hands, I am never alone.”
That woman may have been physically forgotten by people, but she knew a greater truth—
Heaven knows your name.
And Heaven never forgets.
PRAYER TIME
Right where you are, place your hand over your heart.
Father, in the Name of Jesus,
Thank You that our names are engraved in Your presence.
Thank You that You carry us on Your shoulders.
Thank You that when the weight of life is too heavy, You lift the load.
Today I give You every burden—every fear, every setback, every disappointment.
Carry what I cannot carry.
Lead me, strengthen me, and remind me daily that I am Yours.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pause for a moment… invite His presence… let Him minister to you.
ALTAR CALL — YOUR NAME CAN BE ENGRAVED TODAY
Maybe you’re here today and you don’t feel secure.
Maybe you don’t know if your name is truly written in Heaven.
Maybe you feel forgotten, overlooked, or lost.
Friend, the High Priest in the Old Testament carried the names of God’s people on earthly stones…
But Jesus, our Great High Priest, carries your name in Heaven.
And today, you can make sure your name is known in Heaven.
If you need Jesus…
If you need forgiveness…
If you need restoration…
If you want your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…
This is your moment.
Pray this with me:
“Lord Jesus,
I come to You today.
I believe You died and rose again.
Forgive me of my sins.
Make me new.
Write my name in Heaven.
I give You my life, and I will follow You,
in Jesus’ Name—Amen.”
If you prayed that prayer, Heaven knows your name… and your life will never be the same.
