The Names of GodSample

Today we’re going to go back to one of the most famous stories in the Bible, Moses at the burning bush. When God tells Moses to go to Pharoah and ask him to set the Israelites free. We see that Moses has been in the desert for a long time and he is hesitant. He tries to sidestep the task. In verse 13 he asks God that if he goes to the Israelites and they ask him who sent him, what shall he say? God replies tell them, “I AM WHO I AM… tell them I AM has sent you” (V14).

God reveals Himself in this perfect linguistic statement. In the cluster of these syllables, we see the divinity, the God of Gods, the everlasting, ever-present God. The Eternal God. The one who was, who is and who will be forever. YHWH reminds us of the covenant-keeping character of God. He is the God of the covenant. In the following verses He reminds Moses who exactly He is, He is the God of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is the same God that made the covenant with their forefathers. The Israelites are His people, and He is their God; He has heard the crying of His people and He is going to remember the covenant He made with their forefathers and He is going to deliver His people from the bondage of slavery.

It is interesting to note that YHWH is the first name that He gives to the people so that they can know Him personally and have a relationship with Him. He wants them to remember that He is the God of the covenant. Ever since God created man, we see that He wants to be in communion with us. We see this concept throughout the Old Testament where time and again God enters a covenant bond with His people. We see this in the New Testament as well, Jesus rewrites the covenant in His blood which again brings us to a personal relationship with God.

It's important to note that one of the reasons that God gives Himself this Name is to personally reveal Himself to the people of Israel. He is telling them that He is their God. There is a personal element to it. He is the creator God for the rest of the universe, but He wants His people to find comfort in Him, to call on His name and know that He will keep His promises to them.

When we want to know God personally, this Name reminds us of His promises and the covenant-keeping character of God. We can find comfort in the eternal, unchanging God. Trusting in YHWH means that we rely on His presence and His power in all circumstances of our lives.

Reflect

Take a moment to reflect on the covenant-keeping character of God. How does knowing the personhood of God help or encourage you in your walk with Him?

Prayer

My Father, I thank you for revealing yourself to me through your personal Name. I thank you that despite the changing circumstances all around me, you stay constant, you are a covenant-keeping God. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.