What Is the Name of God?

We will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever 

(Micah 4:5)

What is your name?  Do you know what it means?  Does it fit your personality?  Many of us know how we got our name and for whom, if anyone, we were named.  Expectant parents often spend many hours choosing just the right name for their unborn child.  Their selection may be based on a family name; to honor a close friend or famous person; or maybe because it is either popular or seldom used at the time. Some chose Bible names, while others select a name because of its meaning.

During the period in which the Bible was recorded, the latter was true of Jewish parents.  Selecting a name was a serious matter, for in their culture, a person’s name did more than identify them.  It also foretold the nature of their personality.  In some cases, God even told the parents what to name their child.

Jesus is an excellent example.  When the angel appeared to Joseph and informed him of Mary’s pregnancy and identified God as the Father, he concluded his announcement with the instructions that You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

The literal meaning of Jesus is Savior.  Therein He is identified both as to whom He is and the reason for which He came to Earth.  From the day of His birth those who spoke His name or heard it spoken, would recognize its meaning and implication.
 
The Bible contains 589 difference names, titles and descriptions of God.  As a member of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit), most of the names describe Jesus Christ, the Son. A look at some of these passages reveals how limited our concept of Him is when we attribute only a few of the more familiar names:

Creator - One who brought all things into existence (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3).
Comforter - One who consoles (Psalm 23:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Counselor - One who gives advice (Isaiah 9:6; James 1:5).
Deliverer -  One who provides escape (Psalm 18:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Guide - One who gives direction (Isaiah 30:21; John 16:13).
Faithful - One who can be depended on (Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 John 1:9).
Fortress - One who provides safety (Psalm 91:2; Romans 8:38-39).
Foundation - One who offers sure footing (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Corinthians 3:11).
Hiding place - One who provides protection (Psalm 32:7 1 John 4:4).
Hope - One who offers encouragement (Psalm 71:5; Colossians 1:27).
Intercessor - One who pleads another’s cause (Isaiah 53:12; 1 Timothy 2:5).
Physician - One who heals (Hosea 6:1; 1 Peter 2:24).
Potter - One who molds (Isaiah 64:8; Romans 9:21).
Propitiation - One who brings reconciliation (Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 John 2:12).
Provider - One who fills needs (Genesis 22:14; Matthew 7:9-11).
Rock - One who provides stability (Psalm 31:3; Matthew 7:24-25).
Savior - One who rescues (2 Samuel 22:2-3; Matthew 7:9-11).
Shield - One who protects from harm (Psalm 28:7; Hebrews 13:6).
Strength - One who gives ability to stand, to continue (2 Samuel 22:33-34; 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Lord, I want to understand more each passing day,
exactly Who and what You are, and what You have to say.
I truly want to comprehend what You would have me know,
that I can live successfully this life on Earth below.
Remind me when times get hard; when confidence grows weak,
to focus on Your powerful names, and find the strength I seek.
Thank You, Lord, for all Your names recorded in Your Word;
and for the help that’s promised in the meanings there inferred.