He is
Yahweh
By Brita Crouse
“Let them
praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is
above the earth and the heavens.”
Psalm 148:13 (NIV)
This year, I have been reading
through a daily devotional on the different names of God. [1] So
far, it has been such a learning experience. God has A LOT of names because He
possesses so many amazing characteristics! The one recurring name I have found
to be most interesting is Yahweh.
We first see this name of God come
up in Exodus 3:14. Moses has been called by God to
lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He has been instructed by God to talk to
Pharaoh and to introduce himself to the Israelites as their leader, but of
course he is scared and doesn’t want to do it. Moses asks God this question in
verse 11 (NIV): "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites
out of Egypt?" God’s authoritative and empowering reply to Moses is: “I AM
WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to
you.'”
Yahweh. I Am. The Lord. This is the
name God has given Himself. There is power in this name. Here are some examples
of that:
• Yahweh- The Lord, I AM
• Yahweh Jireh- The Lord will provide
• Yahweh Rapha- The Lord who heals
• Yaweh Nissi- The Lord my banner
• Yahweh Sabaoth- The Lord of hosts
• Yahweh Shalom- The Lord is peace
• Yahweh Tsidkenu- The Lord our righteousness
• Yahweh Mekoddishkem- The Lord who sanctifies you
• Yahweh Rohi- The Lord my Shepherd
• Yahweh Shammah- The Lord is there
Knowing how many characteristics God
has calls for respect and reverence. There is no one like Him! Knowing how many
names God has should change the way we see God and deepen our relationship with
Him. He is the source of everything. He is Lord.
His Word is filled with His many
different names and we are blessed because He is all of these things and more
to each one of us.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
Listen to “He is Yahweh” by Vineyard Worship.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYavc_py1os)
How do these names of God apply to you in your everyday life?
2.
Pick any Bible passage. Read through
it and write a list of the names of God that were found in or inspired by that
passage.
3.
*Extra Reading: John Piper’s blog
post, “Yahweh is the Sweetest Name I Know.” http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/yahweh-is-the-sweetest-name-i-know
FURTHER READING:
Brita is
currently working toward her Master’s in Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin
Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past seventeen years.
[1] Ava Pennington, Daily Reflections on the Names of God (Grand
Rapids, MI: Revell, 2010), 26-28, 47-73.
