Names are full of meaning. For example, when I say the name John F. Kennedy, you think about the history of the man, his life story, what he stood for. In fact, even just using the surname Kennedy means something, doesn’t it? To say someone is a Kennedy is to be associated with the legacy that family has created.
Did you know that God has a name, too? His name is Yahweh, which is written as LORD in our Bibles. It is the central name of Almighty God, and it’s mentioned 6,823 times in the Bible. And just like a surname, it carries an important meaning. It is a name that speaks of unparalleled might and majesty.
So why is it, when we go to talk to people about Yahweh, we often find ourselves feeling weak or inadequate? Could it be that we are too focused on ourselves—on our own names?
We might think, How could I, Mary Smith, make my friend see the truth about Jesus? Do you see what’s wrong with that question? It’s focused on the wrong name! We think, There’s no way I could do it!, but God says we've got it wrong.
When you share the Good News with people, it is Yahweh who convinces, Yahweh who speaks, and Yahweh who works in that person’s heart. It is His message. It is His truth. It is His Gospel that you and I carry to the nations.
In Exodus, Moses was given a message to take to Pharaoh, the most powerful and dangerous man of his time. Moses doubted his own ability. He doubted his influence. Why would Pharaoh listen to him? So, he said to God…
“Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
How does God respond? He reminds Moses that it’s not about him! “The Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now then go…’”
It’s like carrying a letter from the President. The important thing is not who delivers the letter; it is the power and authority of the one who sent it!
You see, this is the bottom line—it’s not who you are or who I am. It’s who God is. As those times come when you feel held back by the weakness of your own name, remember the power of His. Let the name of Yahweh be your confidence and source of strength as you go out and share the Good News of Jesus with your family, friends, and neighbors!
