The Name of the Lord
Have you ever thought about the meaning of your name? The meaning of a name is more important in some cultures than others. In Scripture, the meaning of a name can tell you a lot about a specific person or the character of that person.
Similarly, the name of the Lord is not just a common name. The Lord’s name is meant to carry the identity, character, and actions of God. That is why Scripture tells us to call upon the name of the Lord as a means of help and comfort.
God’s name tells us who He is. He is God, the Creator and Ruler of everything on the earth. He is the one who is above everything else in all the earth. That means He is more powerful and more wise than anyone else too.
God’s name also tells us about His character. We learn in Scripture that God is faithful, merciful, loving, and strong—His presence is a place of protection for those who follow Him.
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10 NIV
God’s name also tells us about His actions. He rescues and saves His children. He fights for the weak and He provides for the needy.
All of these good traits are wrapped up in the name of the Lord. When we call upon His name, we are trusting and believing that God is who He says He is.
What other attributes of God’s character come to mind when you think about Him? Take a moment to thank Him for who He is and all that He has done for you.
A Reminder of God’s Goodness
Nahum’s letter to the people of Judah, in the southern part of Israel, is both a call for repentance and a letter of judgment. The northern tribes had already been exiled to Assyria, and the unfaithfulness of Judah was also leading them into exile.
There's a lot happening in Judah at this time. It's an era of national turmoil. The people have been unfaithful. But rather than focusing on the surrounding dangers or the cultural pressures, Nahum points the people back to the character of God—which never changes.
Nahum reminds us that God is good. Even though the world around Israel was changing rapidly, their God remained the same. He is always good. In the midst of every circumstance, we can trust that God will never change but will always desire what is good for us.
Nahum continues to remind us that God is a refuge in the midst of difficult times. Because God is all-powerful, He can protect you from the dangers of this world. But even when you face hard things, ...