The Name

This past Lord’s Day we considered the revelation of God’s name to Moses, and through Moses to Israel. God’s names reveal to us his nature and character, so we are to receive this revelation in faith – believing that God is, and that God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him (Heb. 11:6). When we consider the significance of the name of Yahweh in light of the context of the burning bush which demonstrates God’s self-existence, eternality, and unchanging nature, it’s more than our finite minds can grasp. Although the precise meaning and etymology of the name has been debated, God doesn’t give his name merely to foster philosophical discussion. He gives us his name for our faith and comfort in him. Here’s a further meditation to drive home the practical application of God’s name from the pen of PCA pastor, Mark Jones:

God names himself to bless his people. He names himself to instruct his people. God does not need to name himself, but he chooses freely to condescend in order to give us knowledge of God’s being and his purposes toward us. Remarkably, while God does not need to name himself, he does name his Son. The God-man has the peculiar dignity of being recognized as Yahweh. In light of that truth, we can be as sure of Christ’s heart toward us as we can be sure of God’d heart toward the Israelites when he brought them out of Egypt.

 

As the exalted Messiah and High Priest interceding in the heavenly places, Jesus is trustworthy. Christ’s purposes, and thus his teachings, remain the same toward believers. He is unchangeable in his purposes. Hence, the author of Hebrews assures his readers of this aspect of Christ’s ministry: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8).

 

If God is able to bestow a name on Jesus, he is also able to bestow a name on those who remain faithful to the end like Jesus did. In Revelation 2:17, we are told that believers will receive a new name. This promise extends to all of God’s faithful servants and is not limited to the immediate recipients of John’s letter. To receive this new name is to receive Christ’s kingly name (Rev. 19:12-16). We are named in baptism, as we enter into a new relationship with God. At the end, we shall also receive a new name that will confirm to us our exalted status. Without this new name, we will not enter into the new heavens and the new earth.

Mark Jones, God Is: A Devotional Guide to the Attributes of God, (pp. 94-95).