What’s in a name?
This past year Donna and I had the wonderful experience of welcoming two new grandkids into our family. Sophia and Brayden. Now because I know a little Greek – I know the word Sophia means wisdom, and to be honest with you I am not sure what Brayden means – but he is so amazing it doesn’t matter anyway.
But when it comes to God’s name – now that’s another story. In Psalm 68:4 David writes, “sing praises to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds, by his name YAH; and rejoice before him”. So we know that God has a name – YAH. Actually we would all be familiar with the covenant name – YAHWEH. The literal for that name is Yah (he who is) Haya (and makes things happen forever). It is such a holy name, such an esteemed name that the ancient Israelites would not allow it to even come from their lips; instead they substituted the names Adonai (Lord) and Elohim (God).
Because the name Yahweh is so holy and personal I hope we too would reverence that name highly. But for just a minute think; what’s in a name? It’s much more than a “tag”. It truly means our character, our roots, and in many ways defines us. I am mindful of names like – “shorty” or “stretch” or “pudge”…not a lot of imagination needed to know what those mean. But YAH – that’s different. So throughout the Bible – God is constantly making reference to his name. When Abraham came and built altars – they were places for the “name “ of the Lord to be established. Later when the tabernacle was built it was a place for the “name” of the Lord to dwell – to take up residence. Same holds true for the Temple. Over and over again – almost in amazing fashion God calls for us a place for his name to be established and/or a dwelling place for his name.
Of course we know the entire truth reached its apex in the person of our Lord Jesus when John 1:14 tells us he literally came and “tabernacled” among us as “The Name”.
So what about today… where does God’s name dwell today? Well you guessed it - in the hearts of those of us who call ourselves believers. Now remember a name describes character – in many ways defines. I guess that means the way I allow that name not only to dwell in me – but show forth in me will bring either honor or dishonor to that name. Wow, that my friends is convicting. And that’s what’s been on my heart most of the day. “Lord, help me realize I am a representative of the name “YAH”. A name that at one time was too holy to even be spoken. Lord thanks for the honor of bearing that name, now teach all of us the awesome responsibility that comes with such an honor.”
