This is probably one of the most encouraging passages of scripture in the whole Bible. It vividly expresses the deep and profound love, which the Lord has for all His people. Notice the wonderful statement… "I have called you by your name; you are Mine!" Another translation says, "I have claimed you; you are Mine!" God can legally claim us as His own because He was prepared to send Jesus to pay 'the price' in order to secure our redemption. Notice also how God emphasises that we are precious in His sight – 'greatly honoured' and 'loved'. Furthermore, through the prophet Amos, the Lord declared that all the gentiles who are called by His name will be part of the restoration of the Tabernacle of David. "In that day I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be." (Amos 9:10-11). This prophecy was forecasting the universal body of Christ becoming united in serving God. And according to ancient Hebrew custom, to be called by the name of anyone is to be regarded as a son or daughter. Therefore, it must also refer to all those who are to be included in the dynasty of David and considered children of God. Such a unique people will become a select community who have been given the ability to partake of the same divine Spirit. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14).