The Names of GodSample

Jehovah Sabaoth - this occurs 270 times in the Old Testament itself. This is an incredible Name because Sabaoth means Armies or Hosts. These concepts are sometimes foreign to us because we don’t use them anymore. Today, the war strategies are much more discreet and based on stealth, but just imagine what it would have been like back in the Old Testament times; how armies would line up against each other in their multitudes. It would have in tens of thousands, a sea of soldiers. And this Name says The Lord is the Lord of Hosts, The Lord of all armies. This gives us a sense of His universal sovereignty over every other army, both physical and spiritual. So, there are the armies of the heavens, the captain of the armies of the Lord. Angels are warriors and they’re in the thousands. He is the Lord of Hosts. He is the King of heaven and earth. He is above all armies. Even if all the armies were to gather against the Lord, He would still be Lord over them. He is the King of Glory. Throughout scripture, we can go back to how the Lord uses this title to pronounce His strength, His leadership and His sovereignty over all.

Isn’t that such a powerful picture for us today? He is the Lord of hosts and armies of all the world! We have nothing to fear because He is our God. The news all around the world can sometimes be distressing and the threat of wars amongst nations may cause us to fear. But this is a reminder for us today that no army, either in heaven or on earth can come close to shake God of His Sovereign throne. No mind can comprehend a strategy that would even come close to God losing His sovereignty.

I would like to challenge us. What image do we have of Jesus Christ in our minds? Is it the beaten man on the cross? Or just the one who is knocking at the door of people’s hearts? Let me present to you this image of our powerful, glorious King of Glory. He is the Lord of Hosts. That is why we learn about God through His Names and Titles. When we’re fearful of being overtaken by governments, let us remind ourselves who exactly we worship and who our God is. Knowing God through this Name reminds us of how He is the Lord of Hosts, the Commander of angelic armies and earth alike.

Reflect:

Knowing God by this Name instils in us confidence to conquer enemies and overcome obstacles in our lives. What are things in our lives that have gripped us with fear? Is there anything unsurmountable for God? We need to recognise His power and authority over all creation. We need to hide in His wings and take refuge in Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to us through this Name. Thank You for reminding us that You are the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings, You are the King of Glory. Help us be assured that when oppositions arise, they are no match for the God we believe in. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.