NAMES: Calling on the Name of Godনমুনা

We live in a world full of sin and destruction, and oftentimes we may find ourselves calling on the Name of Jireh or Elohim to bring us back to the peace of God. But there is another name of God that is willing to comfort us in the darkest moments where we feel lonely, unequipped, and so broken by the pain around us and in our own hearts. Here, we can find ourselves calling on the name of Jehovah Rapha, our God who heals.

The word רָפָא or “rapha” is used around 67 times throughout scripture, but God first reveals himself as Jehovah-Rapha during the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. In Exodus 15:26, God affirms to His people that if they follow His commands, they will not receive any of the diseases that they had seen brought onto the Egyptians they had just left behind. He proclaims, “I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26).

What is incredibly unique about this moment is that “rapha” isn’t like Yahweh or Adonai, words specifically used to describe God. Rapha was a word that was utilized in other parts of life. Derivatives of the word were used through Genesis to describe the act of God healing in Genesis 20:17 towards Abimelech and again in Genesis 50:2, with physicians embalming under Joseph's command.

Yet, it is in Exodus 15:26, for the first time, God describes himself - not just a God with healing powers - but as the Healer of all things. Jehovah-Rapha points to a God who has healing in His wings. It is part of Him - and we call upon Him to heal in our own lives today.

One of the “primitive roots” of Rapha comes from “raphah” which is usually translated as: to thoroughly make whole. What a lovely thought! When God rescues us, He never intends to leave us broken. He wants to make us whole. His healing isn’t just a bandaid or a subpar promise - it is a declaration that He will heal us and restore us to the wholeness that we desperately crave.

Revelation 21:4 alludes to this idea in the return of Christ to come, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore…” Our Healer is still healing today!! You can call upon the name of Jehovah Rapha for yourself, your family, your friends, and in kindness - even your enemies.

Take a moment to breathe deep and ask yourself, “where do I need God to heal today?”

Then, pray with us.

Jehovah-Rapha, we pray today that you would bring healing upon [insert situation]. We believe that you are still a Healer today, as you were in Exodus 15. Be near to the broken-hearted in this time and anoint their heads with oil. May your face shine upon them and may their hearts be deeply healed. Bring restoration. Bring completion. Bring wholeness. Oh Jehovah-Rapha, be near. We need you. Amen.