THE WORD FOR THIS WEEK IS: “Yahweh”.
The thought for this week is: God’s name is Yahweh.
The many names of God that we find in the Bible are actually descriptive titles. The name he has revealed to his people is Yahweh or as in many bible versions, Jehovah. He is the “I AM”, which is what Yahweh means in Hebrew. Yahweh truly transcends time and becomes the alpha and omega. His name appears in the Old Testament 6,823 times. The name was considered to be so holy that for centuries the word was not uttered by the Jewish people and instead they would use the word Adonai instead which means Lord. Yahweh is the same word used in Isaiah 42:8: “I am the Lord (Yahweh), that is my name!”
As you consider this, think of what name you use for God when you talk to him in prayer. Also, reflect on how you feel when you hear his name used in vain or in a flippant way.
In Psalm 68, we see a song first sung probably when King David was bringing the ark of the covenant into the city of Jerusalem in preparation for the building of the great temple by David’s son Solomon. As you read the first twenty verses, notice how the name of God is exalted and notice God’s nature as he is described.
David highlights many of God’s greatest deeds such as delivering the Israelites out of Egypt, providing for them in the wilderness, helping them defeat the Canaanites and delivering them to the promised land. It is a great example of how he cares for us today. As you read Psalm 68:1-20, consider how Yahweh has done mighty things in your life and how he has rescued you. Also, reflect on the areas of your life where he has taken you to mountain tops like verse 15 or delivered you from wastelands like verse 7.
Now read Ephesians 4:8-13. Notice how Psalm 68:18 is applied to Jesus and his triumph over his enemies. Paul uses the verse to ascribe to Christ as being the giver of trophies of the victory to his church. Now consider what gifts have been given to you by Yahweh.
Pray through the following Scripture and strive to memorize Psalm 68:20, “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.”
Prayer: O Lord our Lord we praise your holy name. We wish to thank you for the great gift of life. And, we thank you for delivering us from death through the great gift of your Son. We trust you to provide for our daily needs, whether physical or spiritual. Continue to bless us as we have need and forgive us as we have fallen short of your glory, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
By Rory Barneche