Names of God (Prophets)

 This fall we have entered into a series meditating on some of the Names of God found in the Bible. As I mentioned last week, the inspiration for this series was a presentation to the Women’s Ministry of the Diocese of the Rio Grande by Mother Sylvia Miller-Mutia which she based on: Anglican Prayer Beads: God the Father by Jenny Lynn Estes and Carol Raines. 

Last week we saw God (“El”) as Father, Creator, Most High, Seeing, Almighty, Everlasting, and Holy. In thinking about these Names of God, I was reminded of a song which I first heard sung by Amy Grant. It was written by Michael Card and John Thompson. Many of you may have also heard El Shaddai. The song recites some of the deeds of El Shaddai (God Almighty) culminating in the “most awesome work was done by the frailty of your Son”. You may want to listen to it here. Amy Grant - El Shaddai (Lyric Video) - YouTube

El-Shaddai, El-Shaddai/El-Elyon na Adonai

Age to age, You're still the same/By the power of the name

El-Shaddai, El-Shaddai/Erkamka na Adonai 

We will praise and lift You high/El-Shaddai

Through Your love/And through the ram/You saved the son/Of Abraham

Through the power/Of Your hand/Turned the sea/Into dry land

To the outcast/On her knees/You were the God/Who really sees
And by Your might/You set Your children free

[Chorus]

Through the years/You made it clear/That the time of Christ/Was near

Though the people/Couldn't see/What Messiah ought to be

Though Your Word/Contained the plan/They just could not understand

Your most awesome work was done/Through the frailty of Your son

[Chorus]

Today, we move into names for God used by later Old Testament writers like the Prophets. These speak of Yahweh as Provider, Healer, Banner, Presence, Sanctifier, Peace, and Righteousness. “Yahweh” is usually translated Lord. It is the name that Moses revealed to the Israelites during the Exodus. Yahweh is who we spell out and pronounce the Tetragrammaton (which just means having four letters) of the four Hebrew letters יהוה‎ (YHWH). Since ancient Hebrew didn’t use vowels, this may or may not be a correct pronunciation, but is the universally accepted way to read the Name. Observant Jews believe that the Name “YHWH” is too holy to be actually spoken, so “Lord” or “Holy One” or “God” is often used instead.

The Holy One of Israel has many attributes. When we just say God or Lord, we can limit our understanding of the depth and broadness of the Undefinable One. Even these Names barely scratch the surface of all that God is. Last week the Names emphasized the power of God. This week, the names help us remember the closeness and care of the One who loves us.

As you read through these names, think about what ways God has been present in your life. Has the Holy One been a Healer or Peace. Perhaps God has been a Banner of Protection or Love. Maybe you have experienced Yahweh as Provider.

I invite you to prayerfully read through this list of names slowly, breathing in the Hebrew words and breathing out the English translation. Do this several times letting your mind and heart be filled with the meaning of the words, the reality of Who our God is.  

Yahweh- Lord

Yahweh Yir’eh- Provider

Yahweh Rof’ekha- Healer

Yahweh Nissi- Banner

Paneh Yahweh- Presence

Yahweh Meqadishkem- Sanctifier

Yahweh Shalom- Peace

Yahweh Tsidkenu- Righteousness

What images come to mind? What feelings fill you? Is there one Name that really impacts you?

If one of the Names causes your soul to leap, pause and sit with that Name. Explore what God is saying to you.  

Next week we’ll glance at the way Halloween and All Saints can bring us closer to the heart of God.