What’s in a name? So much thought and effort and energy is expended in coming up with the perfect name for a child, a pet, a boat, or even a…guitar. One of the earliest things asked to a pregnant couple is “Do you have a name picked out yet?” And even when we DO pick out a name, that can spawn lots of nicknames for that person as well. For instance, my middle daughter’s name is Lily. Through the course of her life, I’ve morphed her name into nicknames like Lils, Lil-Lil, Lily Denise, Willy, Wilby, and my favorite, Wilby the Wilburson. Which of those names I choose to use for her is based off of the level of silliness we’re feeling at that particular moment, yet I’m still referring to that same sweet middle child of mine. 

This past Sunday (6/16) we continued our summer sermon series on the book of Exodus by digging into Chapter 3 where God appears to Moses within the burning bush. God commissions Moses to go back to Egypt to bring his chosen people, the Israelites, out of slavery. When Moses asks God who he should say has sent him to do this, God reveals his name for the first time. Rather than simply re-stating that he is the God of Abraham, the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob, God gets deeply personal. Let’s look at his response from Exodus 3:14-15…

14 “God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.

This is my eternal name,
    my name to remember for all generations.“

By saying ‘I AM WHO I AM,’ we are able to experience a God who is declaring he always has been, and always will be, and yet is ever near even now in the present! 

Through many translations of this particular scripture throughout the years, from the Hebrew Bible to Greek translations, to Latin translations, and later to Christian scribes, the names LORD, YHWH, YAHWEH, YAHOWAH, Jehovah, Iehovah (it starts with an ‘I’ in Latin, thanks Indiana Jones!), all refer to the name of the One True God. 

Recently, I came across an incredible song called “Jehovah” by Elevation Worship. I absolutely love how it declares the vastness and sovereignty and power of God, yet at the same time, it sings about a God who is near to us. This is the God we worship! A God who spoke, and creation came to be. A God who reigns above every meager man-made idol. A God who fights for us and sees us and hears us. 

Much like I have varying names for my daughter, God has many names to describe the different aspects of his unique character. The song lists 4 of the names that correspond to some of these facets, though there are many more!

Jehovah Nissi – found in Exodus 17:15 where the Israelites declare the Lord is their Banner after their victory over the Amalekites. We worship a God who fights for and with us!

Jehovah Jireh – found in Genesis 22:14 when God provides a ram for Abraham to sacrifice in the place of his son Isaac. God saw and heard Abraham’s pleas and he sees and hears us and meets our needs according to his good and perfect will as well!

Jehovah Rapha – found in Exodus 15:26 where God promises to heal our minds, souls, and bodies when we keep his commands and diligently listen to his voice.

Jehovah Shalom – found in Judges 6:24 where Gideon experiences the peace of God amidst the fear and apprehensions he is feeling. Gideon builds an altar to the Lord and calls it “The LORD our Peace.”

When I hear this song, I can’t help but be moved to worship and to grow in faith. God is our protector, provider, healer, and our peace. He sees us and we can know him personally! So crank up the song “Jehovah” and let’s call on the different aspects of the name of God together! For he is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise! Let’s GOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Ryan Hammer

Creative Arts Executive Minister