To Know Him By Name!

When we know someone “by name” it usually reflects our personal familiarity with that person. We are able to speak of them very specifically. It may also mean we know what to expect of them.

David wrote. . .
“(9) The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (10) And THOSE WHO KNOW YOUR NAME PUT THEIR TRUST IN YOU, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” ( Psalm 9:9-10 ESV)

Some might ask, “What’s in a name?”. Perhaps it would be worthy for us to consider what our own name has become synonymous with in the minds of those who know us. Can we be trusted? Can others depend on us? For others to know our name, what does that mean? What did the psalmist mean with regard to God?

When we consider the English word for God, it seems to fall short of the power behind the Hebrew names for Him. Each one of the Hebrew references for God noted a particular quality relating to His Being! Though the Hebrew language bore a long list, let us note a few. “Elohim” is what is generally translated “God” and refers to the aspect of God as “Creator” and is in the plural, thus pointing to the inclusion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as Deity. “YHWH” (Yahweh or Jehovah) is usually given as “LORD” (as in our text above) and points to the aspect of a “Covenant God”. “Adonai (or Athonai) is often translated “Lord” and points to God as “Ruler”. “El-Shaddai” is “God Almighty”. “El-Olam” is “God the everlasting One” or “God of Eternity”. “Elyon” points to the aspect of God as the “Exalted One” or “Most High”. And the list goes on.

It seems obvious that one name alone is incapable of capturing the greatness of the essence of God. However, to KNOW GOD by any one of these designations ought to encourage our trust in Him. As in the text above, to know God as the “Covenant God” means we can trust what He has promised relating to our relationship with Him. May we strive for our faithfulness to be drawn to His as we come to know He can be nothing but faithful. ( 2 Timothy 2:13) This is true regarding both His promises and His warnings. God will be true, not forsaking those who seek Him. May we continue to be a seeker of Him and His Sovereign Will!

Have a great day KNOWING BY NAME THE ONE WHO IS EVER FAITHFUL!
Carl

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