October 02, 2004 Devotions

What's in a Name?

Scripture: Exodus 20:7

Have you heard of the 10 Commandments that the Lord originally gave to Moses? The third commandment says, "Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God." What does the Lord's name mean?

The Bible uses many names for the Lord. One single word cannot capture all that God is. Here are some examples:

• Elohim means "Strong One."
• El Shaddai means "God Almighty."
• El Elyon means "The Most High God."
• El Roi means "God Who Sees."
• El Olam means "The Everlasting God."

God's personal name is Yahweh, which means "I Am Who I Am." This name was so sacred to Jews that they were very careful when saying or writing it so that it could never be misused. Often, they used the name Adonai as a substitute. In English, we use the word Jehovah. Here are some more examples of our Lord's names:

• Yahweh Jireh means "The Lord Provides."
• Yahweh Nissi means "The Lord is my Banner."
• Yahweh Shalom means "The Lord is Peace."
• Yahweh Sabbaoth means "The Lord of Hosts."
• Yahweh Ro'i means "The Lord my Shepherd."
• Yahweh Rophe means "The Lord Who Heals."

The Lord gave us wonderful names to use for Him. When we use His name as an exclamation point for something that happens, His name loses its meaning. Don't use the Lord's name carelessly. When you pray with your family, try using some of the wonderful names that God has given us to use. He will be delighted when He hears His name.

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