Bobby Conner
The Names of God Reveal His Nature
The question as been asked . . . "What is in a name?" The answers to this question can be varied. It is a fact that names in the Scripture can reveal much about the person. However, in regard to the names of God we discover much about His Nature in a study of HIS NAME. Awesome power and Divine authority is released in the proper use of the Lord's name. Examine this promise in Proverbs 18:10 we read: ... "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." We discover that in the Name of God we find "protection as well as provision."
PROTECTION AND PROVISION
It appears from these passages in Exodus that God can and does reveals Himself in distinct, and different ways, by the way He reveals His name. Exod. 6:2-3 And God spoke to Moses and said to him: "I am the LORD. "I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, LORD, I was not known to them.
In Jeremiah 23:6,we read, In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. The prophet, reveals both the name as well as the nature of God.
DIVINE NATURE REVEALED
The more we know about God the more we come to trust HIM. God's names reveal more to us about His Divine Nature. In His names we discover more about the different dimensions of His character. We will do well to claim the promise of Psalm 9:10 "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
THE DIVINE CHARACTER OF GOD!
It is very important that we understand the name and the nature of God. When the Lord was revealing His name unto Moses notice, HE also began to describe the character or nature of God. In Exodus 34:5-7. Now the LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, "keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation."
The Description of God!
We greatly rejoice in the description of God. The most important message we can deliver is . . . GOD IS GOOD. !
Exhausted, from speaking in several cities in Austria, I was sound asleep as the driver sped through the traffic on the auto bon, suddenly I was awakened as the Lord spoke to me saying unto me . . . "Bobby! Don't forget tell my people I LOVE THEM!
We must never forget God is good a strong hold in the day of trouble. (See Nahum 1:7). If we will share the nature of God, we will disarm the age old lie spoken in Gen. 3: as satan seeks to bring about an accusation against trustworthiness of God.
THE HEART OF FATHER GOD REVEALED!
Take careful notice as the name of the Lord is being declared we discover more about His FATHER HEART.
God is - Merciful
God is - Gracious
God is - Longsuffering
God is - Abounding in goodness and truth
God is - Forgiving
As we study the Scriptures, we discover that God's names are the very essence of HIS Character. He is filled with grace, and mercy. May we bear His name in such a way as to release these much needed graces. May the Holy Spirit release upon each us power, and anointing to reveal HIS grace and mercy. Causing us to be longsuffering and overflowing with truth and goodness seeking to be forgiving to others.
I would recommend the book "Names of God" by Nathan Stone. Published by Moody Press Chicago, Illinois. This book is a classic study examining the Old Testament names of God and will help Christians better understand the glory, majesty, and awesome power of God.
GOD'S COVENANT NAMES:
Jehovah - "The All-Powerful Self - Existence ONE
It is by this name that God most refers to HIMSELF. Jehovah which speaks of the all powerful self existence one. This name is used more than 6,800 times in the Bible.
The following are some of the names of Lord in the Old Testament that stem from the basic name of Yahweh. Remember these names are given in order for us to better be able to know God in order for us to trust HIM.
We will look into several of the Covenant Names of GOD:
Jehovah-jireh -- This name is translated as "The-LORD-Will-Provide," commemorating the provision of the ram in place of Isaac for Abraham's sacrifice. I
recall the very first time I read this account. My heart was beating so fast my eyes would not move across the words as fast as my mind and heart wanted to take in the drama unfolding before me. I remembered the pain I felt as the precious little lad Isaac lifted up his eyes asking his father Abraham .. " Father I see the fire and the knife but where is the sacrifice.... " I could not believe what was happening, was this son soon to be cut in half and offered unto God? Oh! How my heart leaped within me and tears ran down my cheeks as just in time God Himself had provided the sacrifice. (See Gen. 22: 1-14).
Jehovah-nissi - This name means "The-LORD-Is-My-Banner," this name was given in honor of God' defeat of the Amalekites. This deals with the Lord Identifying with His people in conflict and battles. (See Ex. 17:15). The Scripture reveals that the Lord is Commander of the Host of heaven. He is coming not to take sides but rather to take over. As He revealed to Joshua when he appeared as the Lord of Host.
Jehovah-shalom-- This phrase means "The-LORD-Is-Peace," this name is given in Judg. 6:24. Only in God can mankind find true lasting peace. The Lord Jesus is referred to as the "Prince of Peace." Man will never have the Peace of God until they have first made peace with God through the cross of Christ. In these times of change, it is very important that we obey Isaiah 26:3 " God will keep us in perfect peace if we will keep our focus on HIM. The foe will attempt in many different ways to attract as well as distract, doing anything to keep our focus off the Living Lord. It is time we turn our eye upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face, and the things of this earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
Jehovah-shammah-- This phrase expresses the truth that "The-LORD-Is-There," See Ezek. 48:35. How wonderful it is to know that you cannot find a place that God is not. God is here and there. God is everywhere. Study Psalm 139: this passage of scripture reveals to us the fact that God is Jehovah-Shammah the God that is everywhere. What a comforting thought to know that our Loving Heavenly Father is all about us, we can never be out of His watchful eye. We are constantly under His Divine care. He is everywhere at all times and yet He is not spread-thin.
Jehovah-tsebaoth-- This name deals with the Lord our Commander - This name, translated "The-LORD-of-hosts," This powerful name was used in the days of David and the prophets, witnessing to God the Savior who is surrounded by His hosts of heavenly power. (See 1 Sam. 1:3). As true believers we are called to confront the powers of darkness, but we must remember we are not alone we are confident that the Lord of Host or Jehovah-tsebaoth is with us. We will do well to remember the command and the comforting promise of Joshua 1: be bold be not afraid, because the Lord is with us.
Jehovah Elohe Israel- This name means "LORD-God-of-Israel," and it appears in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the Psalms. Other names similar to this are Netsah Israel, "The Strength of Israel" (see 1 Sam. 15:29); and Abir Yisrael "The Mighty One of Israel" see Isaiah 1:24.
The Church must pray for the peace of Israel. In these dark deceptive days, as we see all types of political pressure being waged against Israel, seeking them to give away the land that God Himself has given to them. This can never bring about peace. This is an evil attempt of the enemy of the cross seeking to bring shame to Christ. As never before, the Body of Christ must rise up and in unity and oneness of purpose and began to intercede for the peace of Israel. The powers of darkness are hard at work even now spreading their evil seeds of violence. God has given. Himself in a special covenant to Israel and we must not fail to pray for the peace of Israel. Even as I pen these words, on the world news I see the heavy-armed tanks as they roll through the battle torn streets, of Israel. I see the helicopter gun ships
As they are forced to open fire on the building where deadly snipers have opened fire. All of this is a sign of the coming conflict. Oh! Church it is time to pray.
Listed Below are a few of the names ascribed to God in the Scriptures:
As we study these names, we get a much deeper understanding of the true heart of God.
Branch; King; Wisdom; Shepherd; Servant:
Many of the names in the Bible are prophetic messianic names for Christ and. His ministry. Such is the name - Branch of Righteousness. See Jeremiah 23:5-6. the "Branch of righteousness," who will descend from David and be raised up to reign as King to execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. This is speaking of Christ Jesus. This links the prophecy about God the Son coming to earth taking on human flesh, and being God manifested in the flesh. See Matt. 1:18-23).
King. Christ Jesus is a Branch of Righteousness, a King, and His name will be called "The Lord Our Righteousness" (Jehovah Tsidkenu). We have no true goodness or righteousness of our own. However, we exchange our sinful life for Christ's life of purity and He is our Righteousness. You can easily see the contrast between a life being lived under the control of one's flesh and one being directed by the Holy Spirit, in the study of Romans chapter seven and chapter eight. In chapter 7 the most common word is "I," "I," over and over we see the center of the passage is self, this only leads to deep bondage and despair. On the other hand the main theme o chapter is the Spirit of God. Never forget our goodness is only because of HIS GRACE.
Wisdom. In Proverbs 8:1-36 we meet God as Wisdom, the speaker who always says and does what is righteous, is equal to Jehovah, and works with Him in the creation of the universe. Paul describes Christ in these terms in Colossians 1:13-19; 2:1-3.
Word of God. The Word of God in Scripture is another name of God. The Word is not as clearly a person in the Old Testament as in the New Testament where Jesus Christ is identified as the personal Word of God, see John 1:1, 14. But it is clear from Psalm 33:4,6, that the Word should be understood in a personal sense, for "the word of the Lord is right" connoting a personified Word. "By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made" see verse six, paralleling the creation in Genesis 1:3,6. In the New Testament Jesus is seen to be both Word and Law personified.
Shepherd. God is also described in prophecy as the Shepherd who will feed and lead His flock, gather the lambs in His arms, carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those with young (see Is. 40:11; Jer. 31:10; Ezek. 34:11-16). Christ identified himself as the good shepherd. Luke 15:4-7; John 10:11-16, making Himself equal to God; and Jesus Christ is so named by His disciples see Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 5:4; and Rev. 7:17. What peace to know that we are under the care and the protection of the Great Shepherd. His rod and. His staff guides and guards us.
Glory. God is described as Glory (Shekinah) in see Exodus 16:7; and Isaiah 60:1 . In the New Testament Jesus has the same glory of God. See Matt. 25:31. Christ Jesus is the express image of the invisible God. See Heb. 1:3. If we are to see the glory of God we must see it in the face of Christ Jesus. 2 Cor. 3:17-18 if we will behold the glory of God we will be transformed by His glory.
Servant. The name of Servant also identifies this Divine Person and His saving ministry on behalf of His people. God's Servant is described in terms that apply to Jesus. He is upheld and chosen by God; He delights in God; He receives God's Spirit. Like Wisdom in Proverbs 8 , He is holy, just, and righteous.
THE TRINITY AND THEIR NAMES
With the birth of Jesus Christ, the names of the three persons who compose the trinity are made more apparent. These names fulfill the deeper meanings of the Old Testament names for God.
In the New Testament God is known as:
Father -Matt. 5:16; 28:19.
Abba - Mark 14:36; and Gal. 4:6.
Jesus is known as:
Son - Matt. 11:27
Son of God - John 9:35
Son of man - Matt. 8:20.
Messiah - John 1:41.
"I AM" - JOhn 8:12
Lord - Rom. 14:8.
Word - JOhn 1:1
Wisdom - 1 Cor. 1:30
Shepherd - John 10:11
Bridegroom - Mark 2:19
Vine - John 15:1
Light - John 1:9
There are so many different titles and names of Jesus that we do not have the time to share them now. But each of the names gives us assurance of the power and provision of God for His people. Jesus is the soon coming King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Holy Spirit is known as:
The Helper -John 14:16. The Holy Spirit will guide us into a deeper understanding of Who God is. He will help us lay hold of this promise. "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."
I will list only a few names given in the Bible to the Holy Spirit:
Comforter - John 14;10
Eternal Spirit - Heb. 9;14
Free Spirit - Ps. 51;12
Power of the Highest - Lk.1;35
Spirit of Adoption - Rom.8; 15
Spirit of Christ - 1 Peter 1;11
Spirit of Counsel - Isa.11;2
Spirit of Glory - 1 Peter 4;14
Spirit of God - Gen.1;2
A good understanding of the names of God will aid us in our warfare walk.
Bobby Conner PO Box 1028
Moravian Falls. North Carolina 28654
www.bobbyconner.org
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