Exodus 23:20
“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.
A name describes someone or something, with God, His name embodies His character in different dimensions. It’s a name of authority and power, one that surpasses great riches (Proverbs 22:1). Above all else, His name stands supreme, bearing the touch of divine power and authority.
Proverbs 22:1
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.
Each of God’s names reveals a unique aspect of His character. El Shaddai, meaning God Almighty or All-Sufficient, highlights His power and ability to accomplish His purposes. When God revealed Himself to Abram, He said, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1).
To Moses, God revealed Himself as the I AM, a name that showcases His self-existence, eternality, and unchanging nature. This name emphasizes God’s omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence, demonstrating His absolute authority and control.
God’s names also reveal His role in our lives. As Jehovah Rapha, He is our Healer (Exodus 15:26). As Jehovah M’Kaddesh, He is our Sanctifier, setting us apart for His purposes (Leviticus 20:7-8). El Elyon declares His sovereignty as the Most High God (Genesis 14:18-20), while Adonai affirms His lordship over us (Psalm 8:1).
Judges 13:18
And the Angel of the Lord said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?
When Manoah finally encounters the angel of the Lord, who had previously ministered to his wife with the proclamation that she would conceive a son ( Samson) despite her barrenness, he inquires about His name. The angel, however, questions the reason for Manoah’s curiosity, asserting that His name is a secret. Subsequently, Manoah comes to the profound realization that he was, in fact, in the presence of God.
God is referred to as Hashem meaning ‘The Name’ God in Jewish culture is too be big to be addressed by name. Men ascribe names unto God by experience or perception, however God also reveals Himself unto men.
Each individual experiences the Divine and perceives a unique aspect of His nature. To Moses after the battle with the Amalekites, He names an alter Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our Banner-the God who wars against our enemies from generation to generation.
To Jacob, He is the God of Bethel, emblematic of His covenantal fidelity. To the psalmist, He is the Redeemer, Savior, Refuge, Strong Tower, and the Lord of Hosts, a warrior (Jehovah Sabaoth). To Hagar, in her desperate supplication while abandoned in the wilderness with a child, He is El Roi, the God who sees, acknowledging pain and affliction when He comforted her and responded to her plea (Genesis 16:13).
Exodus 33:13
Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.”
God reveals Himself but each day, each time , there is a new aspect of Him revealed. This is the very reason why Moses, despite his various encounters with God, sought to know more of God. His character is inexhaustible, and even after seeing Him manifest, Moses desired to know more. He had witnessed the mighty God part the Red Sea, but beyond His power, there was so much more to Him that Moses yearned to understand.”
John 16:24
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Jesus emphasized the importance of asking in His name, promising that the Father would grant as requested. It is not that they had not asked yet but by saying “until now,” Jesus highlighted the shift in their relationship with God. Before his death and resurrection, the disciples didn’t fully understand or access God’s power in Jesus’ name but what happens after the resurrection opens a newness and manifestation of His greatness, the name above any other , which penetrates darkness, vanquishes principalities, and infirmities, and draws heaven to earth. Post-resurrection, they were endowed with a newfound comprehension and authority to pray and minister in His name. It is no wonder that Peter could proclaim:
Acts 3:6
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
He has granted us access in His name to ask until our joy is made complete.
Prophetic Utterance:
Praise be the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.
Guiding Text:
John 14:11-14
¹¹Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. ¹²Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. ¹³And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.