Moment of Meditation: YHWH/LORD (Exodus 3:15)

Original Broadcast: July 2008

Monthly Theme: Names of God

God also said to Moses,
"Say this to the people of Israel,
'The LORD, the God of your fathers,
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.'
This is My name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.
(Exodus 3:15)

YHWH (LORD)

YHWH is the most prominent name for God. In fact, it's the personal name that He wants His children to call Him. As He defines Himself to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). In our English bibles, it's either translated LORD (with all capital letters) or it's spelled out Jehovah.

This was a priceless treasure for the children of Israel that they would be able to call upon the God who rules the universe using His personal name. However, they took care never to call Him by that name because of the Second Commandment: "You shall not take the name of YHWH your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7). In order not to use it in vain, they decided not to use it at all and stick to the generic Elohim or Adonai (which comes later in the series).

This priceless treasure is also given to His children today as it shows His desire for a personal relationship. He has called everyone by name in Baptism and He gives us the charge to call upon Him by name as well. Call upon Him this morning and keep that relationship going or begin one today if you don't have one. Amen.