He Is...The Hebrew Names of God

He Is…The Hebrew Names of God

“Let them praise the name of the Lord; for his name alone is excellent;
his glory is above the earth and heaven.”

(Psalm 148:13)

In his famous tragedy, “Romeo & Juliette,” William Shakespeare asks the question: “What is in a name?” If you think about it, names are everything. They are more than just a bunch of letters grouped together to sound pleasant to the ear. They are more than just a convenience allowing us to talk to each other. Names are a gift from God. They contain His power. In Genesis Chapter 1, God said, “Let there be light.” And there was–He named it into existence. God said; “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” And there was. He called it sky. And he called the dry ground land. From the land, God made man and named him Adam, meaning “formed of the earth.” God gave the power to name to Adam. Adam named the animals. And he named Eve, meaning “mother of all.” And that power has been given to us. Names are everything–they define things–they define us. As we read in Proverbs 22:1; “A good names is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

But why names? Why not labels, symbols, or codes? Part of the answer is found in Genesis 1:27; “So God created human beings in his image…” If we were merely a species of God’s creation, we would have one, generic name, such as ‘lion,’ ‘sparrow,’ or ‘dog.’ However, because we are a special and unparalleled creation–individually created and loved by God–we each have a name that’s an integral part of who we are. Our names are precious to us–they reveal something of who we are and lay the foundation for our personality. They are a personal connection; a unique part of us. Scripture speaks of the importance of this individuality in Isaiah 4:3; “I have redeemed you; I called you by name, you are mine.”

In Old Testament times, a name was not only an identification, but an identity, revealing something about a person’s character. A person’s name often related to the circumstances of their birth (Moses means “drawn from the water”); a particular characteristic about the person (Esau means “hairy one”); or a praise to God (Jeremiah means God is exalted”). A name also said something about a person’s destiny (Jesus means “Saviour”).

Similarly, God reveals Himself to us through His many names. These names are not ornamental, accidental, or even historical, but are given to describe different aspects of His nature and character that can meet our deepest needs; provide comfort and strength in times of challenges and adversity; and release us to new heights of praise in times of joy. Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to honour and praise the name of God; however, in order to do this we need to understand the inherent greatness of the names which God uses to refer to Himself.

This 10-week summer sermon series will lead us into a fresh experience of God’s love and power by exploring the Hebrew names of God, teaching the significance of each name; how it promises to meet one of our deepest needs; and how we can be strengthened, comforted, and encouraged by it in our everyday life and faith. Through His names, God reveals his character and his love: He is the Creator, the Everlasting God, the God who Sees Me, The Lord Who Heals, The Lord My Rock; The lord My Shepherd; and the Father who is calling us into a deeper, more satisfying relationship with Him.

SERMONS

Sermon: Jehovah- Jireh: The Lord Our Provider

Preacher: The Rev. Christopher Doering

Date Preached: Sunday, June 18, 2017

Scripture: Luke 12:22-34

Handout: Part1.HO