Sermon Illustrations
God Knows Us Each by Name
Within its first year, a dolphin develops a unique signature whistle which is the equivalent of its name; it uses this to identify itself to other dolphins. Adults are adept at copying the cries of other dolphins as if calling them by name. This is a fact backed up by a research study in Scotland which concluded that dolphins respond when another dolphin calls out their name.
An American research study concluded that dolphins recognize other dolphins even if they lost contact many years previously. One experiment proved that they could still remember each other’s whistle even after being apart for twenty years. Dolphins are socially complex mammals, and their social bonds with family and friends are very important.
Possible Preaching Angle:
The Bible says that God knows each one of us by name … that we belong to him. We are each unique individuals in God’s sight.
Source:
Brandon Keith, “Researchers Find More Evidence That Dolphins Use Names,” Wired (7-23-13)