It is no exaggeration to say, “This has been a difficult year,” for all of us, especially those who have been a victim of the Covid-19 virus, in one way or another. Some have lost their lives, some have lost family or friends; some have lost their jobs or businesses. Those of us in the healthcare arena are simply tired, fatigued, stressed out, burned out, and doing our best to keep going, one day at a time. There’s been a lot of “news” out there, some good, but most of it is discouraging, or confusing at best. And it keeps changing from one day to the next. There doesn’t seem to be any real stability
As I was considering all of this, it dawned on me that I need to remember that God neverchanges. Theologians refer to this as God’s “immutability.” He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. One thought led to another and I began to consider the names of God and how those name describe Him, His attributes and His character and how encouraging it is for believers to remember that the God of the Bible is Sovereign, faithful and true. He is stable and non-shifting. He is our rock and solid foundation, especially in turbulent times.
God favored His people by revealing Himself through several names that offered special insight into His love, character, righteousness and essence.
Unfortunately, if we are reading an English translation of the original Hebrew language, we really don’t see the depth of those different names, or how His name describes His love for His children.
Names of God in the Old Testament
Here are just a few (and these are only a few) examples of the names for God found throughout the Old Testament:
· El Elyon, “Most High,” (Gen. 14:20).
· El Shaddai,“God Almighty,” (Exod. 6:3).
· El Olam. “God of Eternity,” (Gen. 21:33).
· El Roi, “The God who sees,” (Gen. 16:13).
· Jehovah Sabbaoth,“Lord of Hosts,” (Is. 6:1-3).
· Jehovah-jireh,“The-Lord-Will-Provide,” (Gen. 22:14).
· Jehovah-nissi,“The-Lord-Is-My-Banner,” (Ex. 17:15).
· Jehovah-shalom,“The-Lord-Is-Peace,” (Judg. 6:24).
· Jehovah-shammah,“The-Lord-Is-There,” (Ezek. 48:35).
· Jehovah-Rapha, “The Lord that healeth,” (Ex. 16:26).
· Jehovah-Raah, “The Lord our Shepherd,” (Ps. 23:1)
· Jehovah-Shama, “The Lord is present and near,” (Ezek. 48:35).
· Jehovah Elohe Yisrael, “The-Lord-God-of-Israel,” (Gen. 33:20).
All these names speak of God’s power, attributes and character.
Names/titles for Jesus in the New Testament
There are over 100 names/titles given to our Lord, Jesus in the Old and New Testaments. Here are some of them:
· Alpha and Omega, (Rev. 1:8; 22:13).
· Bread of Life, (John 6:35, 48).
· Chief Cornerstone, (Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:6).
· Counselor, (Isa. 9:6).
· Emmanuel, (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23).
· Eternal life, (1 John 1:2; 5:20).
· First-begotten of the dead, (Rev. 1:5).
· Good Shepherd, (John 10:14).
· Great High Priest, (Heb. 4:14).
· Head of the Church, (Eph. 5:23; Col 1:18).
· Heir of all things, (Heb. 1:2).
· I AM, (Ex. 3:14; John 8:58).
· King of Kings, (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14).
· Lamb, (Rev. 5:6, 12; 13:8; 21:22; 22:3).
· Lamb of God, (John 1:29, 36).
· Life, (John 14:6; Col. 3:4; 1 John 1:2).
· Light of the world, (John 8:12).
· Lion of the tribe of Judah, (Rev. 5:5).
· Lord of glory, (1 Co 2:8).
· Lord of all, (Acts 10:36).
· Mediator, (1 Tim. 2:5).
· Messiah, (Dan. 9:25; John 1:41).
· Prince of peace, (Isa. 9:6).
· Prophet, (Luke 24:19; John 7:40).
· Ransom, (1 Tim. 2:6).
· Redeemer,(Job 19:25; Isa. 59:20; 60:16).
· Resurrection and life, (John 11:25).
· Savior, (2 Peter 2:20; 3:18).
· Son of God, (Luke 1:35; John 1:49).
· Son of David, (Matt. 9:27).
· Son of man, (John 5:27; 6:37).
· The Way, (John 14:6).
· The Word, (John 1:1; 5:7).
· The Word of God, (Rev. 19:13).
· The Word of Life, (1 John 1:1).
· True God, (1 John 5:20).
· True Light, (John 1:9).
· True Vine, (John 15:1).
· Truth, (John 14:6).
As we get closer to the day that we traditionally celebrate our Savior’s birth, amidst all the noise from various politicians and news outlets, let’s try to remember Who it is that is Sovereignly in charge of His universe. If you are feeling a little sad, read through this list and as the Holy Spirit to help you to remember to trust in the God of the Bible and no one else.
Perhaps we can focus on this verse as we see this year coming to an end and a new one approaching:
“Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
What shall man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face to shine upon you.
By His Grace,
Gary T. Dromi, Ph.D., D.Min.
