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March 28, 2012
A Call and Response |
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Psalm 20:7 (NIV)
His wee body curls in the crook of my arm as we rock. So tiny, so new, only two days old. Six pounds and fifteen ounces, yet he bears the weighty truth, the Truth. Timeless and eternal.
"His first name means 'Remembered by Yahweh.'" His parents share in a hush. "Anytime God reminds us in His Word that He remembers, it is a reminder of His faithfulness; that we're always on the Lord's mind.
"His middle name means 'faithful.' Put together, they're a call and response."
This tiny newborn's first name calls to mind the richness of God's character: unfailing, hopeful, sure. Every time he says his name, he'll recall the goodness of the Lord. His middle name elicits our response: Yes, Lord. Because You are faithful, so shall I be.
God is ever calling, desiring our mind, heart and will to respond to who He is. His Names testify to every attribute He possesses.
I'm beckoned by this wisdom. So I open the pages of Truth to know more of the Name I call upon to be saved.
El Shaddai completely nourishes, satisfies, and supplies as a mother would her child. He is our sustainer. (Genesis 17:1, 28:3, 35:11, 43:14 and 48:3)
El Roi is our God who sees us. Not one of our pains or needs is out of His periphery. (Genesis 16:13)
Jehovah Nissi gives encouragement, hope and a focal point when in battle. Jehovah denotes our God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Nissi means banner. In battle, opposing nations flew their flags on a pole at the front lines. This gave soldiers hope and a place to focus. (Exodus17:15)
Jehovah Rapha restores and heals. Our Great Physician makes better our physical and emotional needs. (Exodus 15:26)
Jehovah Mekoddishkem calls us to holiness and gently reminds us that it's God who sets us apart. (Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 20:8)
To know God, His nature and His Name, awakens our voice. His steadfast character and everlasting Name are calling. A call to our mind—to which thoughts respond. A call to our heart—to which emotions respond. A call to our will—to which actions respond.
El Shaddai calls ... I satisfy. We respond ... I will be nourished by You.
El Roi calls ... I see you. We respond ... I will find comfort in You.
Jehovah Nissi calls ... I cover you. We respond ... I trust Your protection.
Jehovah Rapha calls ... I heal. We respond ... I will ungrasp my heart for You to heal.
Jehovah Mekoddishkem calls ... I make all things new. We respond ... I believe You create beautiful things from dust.
There are so many more Names of God throughout Scripture. Names that help us become better acquainted and really know the nature of the Lord. So when troubles call, we respond by putting our faith, hope, and love in Him. And around every corner and with every birth, and death, and life lived in between, we continue to call on the Name of the One who is faithful.
From age to age His Names testify of His goodness. Let's respond to His call today.
Dear Lord, You are worthy of a mind that meditates on You daily; a heart that loves You steadfastly, and a will that follows Yours. When You call, help me respond according to who I know You to be: faithful. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Embraced by the Father: Finding Grace in the Names of God by Susanne Scheppmann
Visit Samantha's site for more on God's Names, and to enter to win a gift card and two copies of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope - one for you and one for a friend!
A Confident Heart by Renee Swope. In this wonderful book, Renee leads us to a place of lasting confidence by helping us know God's Names, trust God's character and live in the security of God's heart toward us.
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Reflect and Respond:
Will you call on one of God's Names and its meaning ... inviting your heart, mind and will to respond?
As you pray this week, talk to the Lord using one of His Names in this devotion. Praise Him for the attributes in that Name: sustainer, hope, healer, etc.
Power Verses:
Nehemiah 9:5b, "Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise." (NIV)
Jeremiah 9:24, "'... but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the LORD." (NIV)
© 2012 by Samantha Reed. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616G MatthewsMint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Wednesday, 28 March 2012.
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