Luke 10:20- "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
In this information age, we human beings have plenty of numbers: Phone numbers, Social security numbers, Drivers license numbers, Bank account numbers, Credit/debit card numbers, Insurance policy numbers, and on and on it goes. Some of these numbers are very long; others are interspersed with hyphens or letters.
Our numbers are part of our present day lifestyle. When on the phone or online or in person, you are asked to provide your number, so that you can access an account or try to resolve a problem. Even when going to a large event at a store, you may be given a number so that you can 'wait your turn' before purchasing a popular item.
How different---how much better--- is our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Although Jesus told His disciples "The very hairs of your head are numbered" in the sight of God (Matt.10:30), He did Not say: 'Rejoice that your numbers are written in heaven.' Jesus never gave any of His followers a number for identification purposes. Jesus never communicated to a disciple: 'As far as I am concerned, you're just a number, and that's all you'll ever be.'
Hear again the words of the Savior- "Rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Names are connected to people. Observe Paul's words in Phil. 4:3- "Help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life."
For people of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, our numbers are not written in heaven, but our Names are, because heaven is the destination for actual persons redeemed by the Personal Savior. Praise be to God that our names ARE presently written in heaven, because of the One Who has already secured our place there.