20 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
“Remember, your God is Yaweh.”
Yaweh is the personal name of God. This name was formerly spoken only by priests in the temple and never uttered publicly before congregations or individuals during public readings of the Torah. Instead of “Yaweh” he name “Adonay” would serve as a substitute for the name “Yaweh” during public readings of the scriptures. Yaweh is the name that is most closely linked towards God’s redemptive acts in history.Direct translation of the personal name of God, Yaweh, implies that Yaweh IS the definition of redeemer, He is the one who freed the Israelites and the one who has freed all who have placed their hope in Him. (Information received from the book Praying the Names of God by Anne Spangler, a must read!)
I have multiple names (Laura Joy, LJ, Laura, Trouble). What people call me is often an indicator of how long they have known me or how close I am to them. God has multiple names too and before Jesus came, only certain people could refer to him by certain names. Before Jesus, no one could utter the name “Yaweh” unless they were pure by the basis of priestly duties and calling. Today, all of us can claim the name of God on our lives.
Of all God’s names, Yaweh has really been comforting me this week. Last week my friend from Eastern came over and something that she said to me really struck me. She reminded me in simple words to “remember, your God is Yaweh.”
I find it funny that often times in crisis I don’t want to be told about God. I don’t want to be told that “all things work together for those who love God and who are called according to His purpose.” I don’t want to hear that “God has a plan.” Selfishly, I just want God to be near. I just want to know that God has not hidden His face from me.
I can call on God by His personal name. Because the veil was torn and because of the blood of Jesus, I can enter into the intimate place with the Spirit and I can call on Him as my Savior and redeemer. In this confusion and chaos, I look to Yaweh to be my guide. In this sorrow and gladness, I look to Yaweh to be my light.
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