What Does the Name Yahweh Mean?

Posted on March 9, 2019 by KD Manes under God's Call

Although the Bible attributes many names to God, the name Yahweh is a bedrock name that can stand alone.

The original story of Yahweh goes back to Exodus 3:13-15 where God is speaking to Moses through the burning bush. He gives him the ultimate mission: Free the Israelite people from Egyptian bondage.

Moses wonders: How in the world will I convince my people that God is really sending me on this mission, and that it will be successful?

Going along with my last post, God tells Moses: “I am who I am. . . . Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 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 3:14-15).

This passage tells us that God’s name I AM and Yahweh are used interchangeably. So I Am is one interpretation of Yahweh.

Yahweh in Jewish tradition was too sacred a name to say out loud. So as time passed, Jews began speaking the name Adonai, or My Lord, in place of Yahweh. Sometimes Elohim replaced this holy name, but these two replacements could also be used for other things. Yahweh, however, holds an exclusive claim as God’s name. Although our English language doesn’t have an exact translation for Yahweh, the Old Testament references this name as LORD with all capital letters.

From Bible Study Tools, Jenna Martin shares a great post: 7 Meanings of Yahweh & Why It’s Such an Important Name for God. Amongst other pertinent information that she shares, I love this nugget of truth: “Yahweh is only used in the Bible when the author is talking about God’s personal, relationship with his people. The fact that God introduces himself to us as ‘Yahweh’ tells us that his first priority in relating to us is making sure we know that he is the intensely personal God, seeking to have a relationship with his people.”

God certainly doesn’t need us, but He wants us. Nothing illustrates this truth more clearly than Jesus entering our world and taking our punishment upon himself so we can have eternal life.

The Holy Spirit In the Believer

Posted on April 20, 2018 by KD Manes under Salvation

God’s gift to believers

Jesus spoke these words the night before his betrayal at the Last Supper. Jesus anticipated returning to His Father in Heaven, but He would not leave His followers helpless and alone. Like Jesus, the Holy Spirit would be with them—giving them comfort, guidance, and strength. But instead of being with them physically as Jesus was, the Holy Spirit would reside in them (See also 1 Corinthians 3:16). I think this is one of God’s greatest (and mysterious) miracles: giving us new life through the baptism of His Holy Spirit—spiritual birth (John 3:3-8).

When we understand that Christ died in our place for our sins, rose from the grave, and we place our complete trust in Him for salvation—the Holy Spirit comes and indwells the believer.

Security in Salvation

Believers can be secure in their salvation. We are sealed by Christ through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). Jesus, who is stronger than the grips of death, is our Sealer. His seal is the Holy Spirit, “given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.”

Believers are chosen [in Christ] before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-6). Why? Paul says: to create a family of people who are passionate for God’s honor and glory (Ephesians 1:10-12). This is made possible through the Holy Spirit.

God’s children now have direct access to Him because Jesus has made us acceptable in His sight (unlike the Old Testament era when people could only approach God through priests, operating under the old sacrificial system, Hebrews 10:19-23).

Benefits of the Believer’s Security in Christ (Romans 8)

The Holy Spirit plays an active role in the believer’s life by:

Removing chaos and confusion with life and peace
Protecting against Satan
Assuring no condemnation
Uniting us with Christ, (no separation from God)
Preserving and protecting what the Father brings into being

Have you been sealed with the Holy Spirit by placing your complete trust in Christ?

Is it possible to grieve the Holy Spirit? How?

How can believers cooperate with the Holy Spirit and glorify God?

How Does Moses Point to Christ? (Part One)

Posted on December 9, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

The entire Old Testament, though dealing with the history of the nations and of Israel, ultimately spoke of the Messiah, the Redeemer who would come.” – J. Hampton Keathley, III

I love that God has creatively woven types and parallels throughout the history of His people that highlight Christ through various people and events.

With Christmas approaching, I thought this would be a good time to detour from Exodus 7:14—the beginning of the 10 plagues in Egypt—and instead highlight how Moses foreshadows Christ. After all, Christ is God’s main event in which the Old Testament leads up to.

Though not your traditional Christmas message, it’s interesting to see how pieces of Moses’ life reflect some of Jesus’ life.

Similarities Between Moses and Jesus

Pharaoh killed innocent children during the time of Moses’ birth (Exodus 1:22). King Herod also killed innocent children in Bethlehem during the time of Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2:16).
Moses had to flee his home due to Pharaoh’s persecution (Exodus 2:15). Jesus and his parents also had to flee their native land due to Herod’s persecution (Matthew 2:14).
Moses was able to return when told: “All the men are dead that sought your life” (Exodus 4:19). Jesus was also able to return after Herod’s death: “those who sought the child’s life are dead” (Matthew 2:20-21).
Moses prayed and God healed Miriam’s leprosy (Numbers 12:10-13). Jesus healed the leper (Matthew 8:2-3).
Twelve messengers were chosen by Moses. Hoshea, Moses’ close assistant, is renamed Joshua (Numbers 13:2-16). Twelve apostles were chosen by Jesus. Simon, Jesus’ close friend, is renamed Peter (Matthew 16:17-19; Mark 3:16-17).

My favorite similarity between Moses and Jesus is their role of being deliverers. God raised Moses up to deliver His people, the Israelites, from Egyptian bondage. God sent Jesus to earth not only to teach us His ways, but also to deliver us from the bondage of sin and eternal death.

Have you accepted His free gift of forgiveness and salvation through His Son?

Prophecies of the Birth of Christ by J. Hampton Keathley, III offers a thought provoking study on Jesus’ birth and how to identify the true Deliverer from counterfeits. I know some of you can easily digest his words in one sitting. But if you’re like me trying to stay a float with the holiday to-do list, a couple paragraphs or sections a day would make a great study leading up to Christmas.

Blessings!

Jacob’s Dream at Bethel, Genesis 28:10-22

Posted on March 18, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” –Genesis 28:16

This passage tells of Jacob running for his life after his grand deception with Esau. Rebekah directed her ornery son to the safe haven of Haran—400 miles away—where her brother Laban lives. Jacob would retrace the steps of Grandpa Abraham who journeyed from Haran to the promised land many years before.

Disclaimer: Like other stories in Genesis, Scripture simply reports events that happened. In the following story, however, I have elaborated with some fictional details.

You may read Genesis 28:10-22 here: Bible Gateway.

Jacob sped north on his camel for hours, stopping only once for water at one of his father’s old wells. He lapped up the water before filling all his wineskins.

The lowering sun would soon give way to darkness. How far had he traveled, 50-60 miles? So far there were no signs of Esau in hot pursuit. But he would surely be on to him tomorrow. By then Jacob would have a good 60-80 mile advantage.

(freebibleimages.org)

The plan was simple. Jacob would stay in Haran a few months, find a wife, and then return home to Beersheba. Plenty of time for Esau to simmer down.

Rank sweat mixed with dirt gave Jacob’s skin a leathered look. Any other day he would have made cleansing a priority. Today, however, was no ordinary day! He had secured his father’s blessing. But knowledge of his success didn’t lessen the lonely fear that kept creeping in. If only he could rid Esau’s bitter cry out of his throbbing head.

Jacob’s throat felt parched again. He would only drink a couple sips of water. Tomorrow he would have to ration the water and food carefully. Hopefully he would reach Haran by week’s end. Hopefully he would stumble across more wells. Be optimistic, he told himself. It will all work out.

Jacob stretched his aching muscles. He chose a spot sheltered by a cluster of trees—away from the dirt road—for his makeshift bed. The physical exertion of leveling the ground helped ease a little of his anxieties. At least the darkness would temporarily hide him from bandits. He willed himself to not think about hungry wild animals.

A smooth rock would have to work for a pillow. Jacob lay down on the hard ground. How will I find Uncle Laban . . . How will Father’s blessing look in my life? Jacob’s questions stilled as he surrendered to sleep.

Jacob’s Dream

Jacob’s heartbeat boomed inside his head as his eyes opened. The words—God’s words—still ringing through his mind. His voice, majestic and rumbling like a wild river, filled him with awe and a sense of holiness.

“I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land in which you are lying . . . . All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

(freebibleimages.org)

This is no ordinary dream . . . so vivid and real. Mighty angels were climbing up and down a staircase that stretched to the heavens. Although they glowed with a holy aura, their light brightened as they climbed upward. So much so, that even in his dream, Jacob had to shield his eyes.

Fear sprung up in him again. For he was unworthy of being in the presence of such a holy God. Yet, God promised him blessing and protection.

“How awesome is this place! . . . This is the gate of heaven!”

(freebibleimages.org)

Early that morning Jacob took his stone pillow and set it up as a pillar to remind him of his experience. He poured oil over it. “This place shall be called Bethel.” He bowed his knee and vowed, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey and will give me food and clothes so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

Reflect

God’s covenant promise given to Abraham and Isaac was also offered to Jacob. Although he was Abraham’s grandson, Jacob would have to establish his own personal relationship with God.

It’s not enough for us to just hear about wonderful Christian family or church members. God has no grandchildren, only children. He desires to be in a personal relationship with each of us. He makes this possible through the work of His son, Jesus Christ, on the cross.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” –2 Corinthians 5:21

God was gracious with Jacob. He is also gracious with us.

With Easter around the corner, I encourage you to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. He not only longs to save us from the consequences of our sin—eternal death—but also desires to fellowship with us daily (Rev. 3:20).

Abram’s Call, Genesis 12:1-9

Posted on August 21, 2015 by KD Manes under Bible Study

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-3

I broke Genesis 12 into two posts since this was getting long. This first part tells of Abram’s journey to Shechem in Canaan. Next week’s post will be about Abram’s detour to Egypt due to famine in the land, Genesis 12:10-20.

You may read Genesis 12:1-9 here: Bible Gateway.

Genesis 12:1-3 unveils God’s covenant with Abram. God promises a great blessing to Abram. He would create a special nation through Abram’s offspring, but there is one condition: Abram would have to obey and leave the comfort and security of his home.

In Genesis 12:1 the word “had” suggests that God’s message to Abram happened in Ur, even though 11:31 ends with Abram in Haran. Abram respected his father’s leadership, but after Terah died Abram obeys and sets out for the land of Canaan. Lot probably also believed God’s promises since he voluntarily went with Abram.

The original Hebrew wording “you will be a blessing” in verse 2 means, “Be a blessing.” Not only would God bless Israel—the nation God would craft from Abram’s family—but they would also bless the other nations. Israel was to be set apart, follow God, and influence those around her.

Through Abram’s family tree, Jesus Christ was born to save all people. Jesus also made a personal relationship with God possible.

Abram Worships God

Altars not only memorialized significant encounters with God, but also reminded the people of His provision and protection.

Abram stops at Shechem (12:6-7), near the middle of Canaan (Joshua 20:7), where the LORD appears to him a second time. Again, God promises to give this land to Abram’s offspring. Abram responds with worship and builds an altar.

Layman’s Commentary Bible notes: “The word translated worship carries the idea of not only acknowledging, but also proclaiming the name of the Lord.”

Abram Camps Between Ai and Bethel

Abram heads out again. This time he and his group camp in the hills east of Bethel (12:8) as Abram continues worshiping God.

Biblos.com

So What?

Is God leading you to a place of greater service and usefulness to Him? Like Abram, don’t let your present comfort and security keep you from God’s plan.
Regular worship reminds us of what God desires and motivates us to obey.
Although geographically small, the land of Canaan was the main area for most of Israel’s history. Not only are Christianity’s roots from here, but Christianity has spread and positively impacted the world.
America has been richly blessed as our forefathers and people honored God and sought to live by His principles, including the support of Israel. But when we as a nation turn our backs on God and His teaching we are inviting His judgment.