December 24, 2020
What’s in a Name?
When speaking to Moses through the burning bush, God identified Himself as “I AM WHO I AM” (Ex. 3:14). This sounds strange to most of us. But in essence, the Lord was saying, “From eternity past through the present and into eternity future, I AM.” We know this rendering of God’s name as Jehovah or Yahweh, which is written in most versions of the Bible as “Lord,” using large and small capital letters.
The people who knew God by this name also experienced His presence in a physical way. To lead them through the wilderness, the Lord appeared as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13:21). After He made bitter water drinkable, His name was associated with healing (Ex. 15:23; Ex. 15:26). And once the tabernacle was built, He met with Moses above the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant (Ex. 25:22). These visible symbols reminded God’s people of His everlasting presence.
Later, on charging Joshua to enter the Promised Land, the Lord promised, “I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you … The Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:5, Josh. 1:9). And we also have assurance that God will never leave us. Our Father goes ahead of us to prepare the way, and He walks with us through every situation. Try to be aware of His presence today, and you will know peace.
Bible in One Year: 2 Peter 1-3
