Who is God [iii] - 15 November 2013
Riélle Heine
Moses said to God, ‘Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” Then what shall I tell them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I am has sent me to you.”’ Exodus 3:13-14
Throughout the Bible, God has used different names to introduce himself to his children. What is remarkable about this is that these names were not dreamt up by people, but God takes the initiative and something of his character and nature is given to people through his name. If you go back to the original Hebrew, the various names of God shed light on the various qualities of God, just like a crystal with many facets.
JEHOVA (YHWH) - “I AM”: The One Who is; The Self Existing One
ELOHIM - The All-Powerful; One Creator
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU -The Lord our Righteousness
IMMANUEL - God with us; “I AM”
ADONAI - The Lord my Great Lord
JEHOVA-RAPHA -The Lord Who Heals
JEHOVAH-ROHI -The Lord is my Shepherd
YEHOVAH-SHAMMAH -The Lord Who is present
ELROI -The God Who Sees me
EL SHADDAI -The All Sufficient One; The God of the Mountains; God Almighty
These names are characteristics of God. They describe who God is and how God is. That’s his nature. This is what we can expect from the Almighty!
Prayer: Lord, Your name is holy. That I dare to call on you is an unfathomable grace! I'm amazed! This morning, I just want to come before your holiness and omnipotence and be still. Amen