A Revelation of God By His Names part 1

A Revelation of God and His Character By His Names

Part 1

What is in a name? Names are highly significant in the Biblical record and important. In many examples they actually describe the behaviors and the character of individuals. The Proverbs says that a good name is better than great wealth (Prov 22:1). The calling forth of a particular name, summons memories of that individual, which can be pleasant or odious, “The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot” (Prov 10:7). Consider the name of Jesus to many hundreds of millions, his name is a sweet fragrance and pleasant thought to many. Jesus said when you pray use my name (John 14:13), there is a reason to use that name for it is sweet fragrance to the Father of heaven, “Because of the savour of they good ointments “THY NAME” is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins (the pure) love thee” (SOS 1:3). It is the NAME above all names (Phil 2:9). Or if someone uses the name of Judas or Brutus (conspirator to Julius Caesar),  these names are not ones you would use to name your children, but maybe a mean dog.  Names recall memories much like a song can upon it’s hearer for good or ill.

The Bible is rife with examples of names such as Jacob and Esau whose names both reveal their characters in the narrative described in Genesis. Jacob means heal catcher or deceiver, and Esau’s name means red man (earth man) denoting his carnal cravings and manifests his desires to the world. Yet in this lesson we will discuss some of the wonderful names of God and their richness they bring to the believer who understands some of the characteristics of God they have trusted in for their salvation.

Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

I El, Elohim, El Elyon, El Shaddai (Gen 1, Gen 14, Gen 17:1).

A.   EL, ELOHIM.  As we take a brief look at the names of God in the Old Testament, we must remember that these revelations of his characteristics are but parts of this great God we can trust. The name El means “God” and denotes strength or  the “Strong One” or “Mighty” it is used in conjunctions with several names of God such as “Elohim” meaning “God as Creator.” The word Elohim can be translated differently depending on how it is used, but reveals the Trinity in its use. Elohim is a plural, and yet singular Hebrew word, the “im” is plural like cherub-“im,” or seraph-“im,” which are both nouns. The mystery of the “Trinity” is revealed in the text in several places in the Old Testament the first being all the way through chapter 1 of Genesis as the word God in the English Bible. We cannot discuss all of the intricacies of the Trinity here, but for this lesson know that it connotes the God who is the Creator of all things in heaven and earth. If you are interested in studying more on the Trinity(  https://prayerchangesthings8.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-triune-god-godhead-trinity-1jn-57_5.html). There are several examples of this in the New Testament that Christ Jesus is the Creator God, but a few examples will suffice. For example,  “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Eph 3:9). And in Colossians, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Col 1:16).  

Jesus is the Eternal Word of God and is the Creator “the Elohim” with the Father and the Holy Ghost, the Godhead Trinity. We can see Jesus revealed in the New Testament in many places, for example when the wind and waves on the Sea of Galilee seemed to be preparing to swallow up the disciples, Jesus arose from sleep and rebuked the wind and waves. In another time came walking on the water and the wind and waves ceased after entering the boat. The disciples rightly said, “what manner of man is this that even the wind and sea obey him” (Mark 4:41)? This reveals that he is Creator (ELOHIM) and has power over his creation. Another example that he is God the creator is when he spoke to the fig tree after checking for fruit and cursed it, and when passing by the tree again the disciples marveled that the tree was dried up by the roots (Mark 11:13, 20). Jesus is not a part of creation, but creator co-equal with the Father of heaven (John 10:30). Paul sums up this idea to Timothy who was a young evangelist at the time, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh (John 1:1-3,14), justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory (1Tim 3:16).

B.    El ELYON. Another revelation of God is his name El Elyon meaning “the Most High God” who owns all things in heaven and earth or possessor of all things. The first time this name is revealed is in Genesis when Abraham defeated the kings who took Lot and his family captive in Genesis 14. After Abraham brought the victory the king of Sodom wanted to give him gifts and Abraham used the name El Elyon after refusing to receive anything from him, but instead said that the Most HIGH God (EL ELYON) who possesses all things in heaven and earth would provide for his needs:

And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD (Yehovah, Jehovah), the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoe latchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich (Gen 14: 17-23).

 Paul tells the Philippian church the same truth, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). There are many examples of Christ being revealed as the ‘Most High God’ but three particular verses that truly expresses him as “El Elyon” is first when Jesus asks Simon Peter about paying taxes and after discussing the matter of the children of the kingdom. Jesus tells him to go fishing and the first fish he pulls in on the hook will have a piece of money to pay taxes for Peter and the Master (Matt 17:27). Another example is after Jesus arose from the dead and the disciples were out fishing on the Sea of Galilee and had caught nothing and Jesus told them to throw their nets on the other side and their nets were filled, and after counting they had an hundred and fifty-three fish (John 21:4-14).  There is also something very subtle about this verse that without a trained eye may not grasp in the Gospel of John there are seven “I AM” statements such as “I am the Door, or I Am the Good Shepherd.” In Gramatria which is a code in Hebrew for numbers revealing truths, the numbers 153 actually can be translated “I AM GOD” the eighteth “I am” which is the number of new beginnings (for more on this please see https://www.versebyverseministry.org/articles/153-fishes-i-am-g-d).  Finally, after Christ was risen again he took the apostles and more than five hundred up to the Mount of Olives and commissioned them to carry the gospel into all the world (1Cor 15:6). Jesus began the final commission by saying, “All POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME IN HEAVEN AND EARTH… (Matt 28:18). Jesus is “El Elyon” the “Most High God!”

C.    El Shaddai. The next Name we want to explore is “El Shaddai” meaning “God Almighty” or “the Breasted One.” The first time we see this name used in the scripture is in Genesis after the Lord had been silent for thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael. Abraham was ninety-nine and Sarah was eighty-nine and both of their bodies were past the time of bearing children according to the writer of Hebrews chapter 11. God reveals his name “God Almighty” to Abraham in Gen 17:1 this way, “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” Here the Lord God revealed the covenant of circumcision to Abram and changed their names to Abraham and Sarah. The only way someone can be perfect before the Lord is with his almighty power and abiding in fellowship by covenant with the one who provides all things. The name change reveals a change in relationship with God. God is able to cause him to be perfect by Abraham abiding under his shadow (Psa 91:1). The name “El Shaddai” not only means God Almighty or all powerful (omnipotent) and that nothing is impossible to him, but that he is nurturing. This name denotes that God is the “breasted one,” a nourisher.  Of course Satan is the great imitator and has risen up with female deities such as Diana (Artemis) of the Ephesians who is depicted with many breasts on many statues than remain from antiquity (Acts 19). We see Jesus in the Gospel at the Last Supper after telling his beloved disciples that one of them was going to betray him. John under the direction of Peter approached the master and laying on “his breast” and Christ comforting him in that moment of trial and told John that the one who would betray him would dip his bread the same time as the master (John 13:23-30). Here we see Christ the nourisher, comforting his follower while he laid upon his breast. In the story of Abraham and Sarah the heavenly visitor told Abraham, “that Sarah would have a child in her old age” (Gen 18). There is only “ONE” who can open Sarah’s withered womb and bring joy out of sorrow and that was “God Almighty.” Moreover, again as Christ declared after his resurrection at the Great Commission on the Mount of Olives “All Power” is given unto me in heaven and in earth (Matt 28:18). Jesus is the Almighty God, and Paul in writing to the Corinthians told them that they must be separated from this evil world for God to perfect them:

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith “the Lord Almighty.” Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor 6:14-18, and 2 Cor 7:1).

If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:

You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)  

May God through Christ bless you!

If you enjoyed this blogpost and believe some else can be helped and may be blessed pass it along:

https://prayerchangesthings8.blogspot.com/

If you have a prayer request or have questions that need clarification please contact me at: neverstoppraying8@gmail.com