I am usually fairly good at remembering people’s names, but there have been occasions when someone’s name has completely gone out of my head.
One of those times happened when someone who I had known for many many years asked me to pray for them. As I started to pray my mind went blank and his name completely escaped me. I started calling him ‘my brother’ in praying for what he asked. But whilst speaking my mind was working overtime trying to remember his name. I was praying two prayers simultaneously, one for him and the other for my memory!! Thankfully, after what seemed like ages, it popped into my head, and I was able to pray using his name.
We continue looking at the different names of God. I hope that these will not escape us but stick in our minds daily, reminding us of who he is, and knowing that he never forgets our name.
GOD IS…
STRONG TOWER
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10 – NRSV)
The name of the Lord is equivalent to the Lord Himself. His name speaks of his nature. Many times in the book of Psalms we read of God being our refuge and our rock. Strong Tower has similar connotations to these. He is a place of safety, protection and strength. When the enemy (the devil) attacks us or our opposers (people) come against us we have a Strong Tower we can run to. God cares for his people – the righteous – those who are made right with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. For he loves us and provides for us, and we are guaranteed his safety.
Often, we can run elsewhere when things are hard. We may run to our bank account to buy something to make us feel better or we may run to friends and family who we know will support us or we may run to things that will distract and preoccupy us for a time. These things are not bad in general, but they will only be able to help to a point. In God, we have a strong tower we can run to always without restriction and in total confidence.
TRUTH
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.””
John 14:6 – NIV
One of the classic ‘I AM…’ statements of Jesus. Reminding us of His deity especially when read alongside God speaking to Moses at the burning bush – “God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14)
I recently heard a ‘Christian Baptist Minister’ speaking of how they are not convinced anymore Jesus is the only way to salvation! It deeply troubled me, and I fear this opinion maybe more widespread. I cannot accept it.
Jesus makes it very clear that He is the way and the TRUTH. There is no other way, the truth is – salvation is found ONLY in Him. Whether people believe it or not – it’s still TRUE. Jesus is TRUTH, that is all he embodied, all he did and said on earth as recorded in the Gospels. And we can know Him, we can know the truth.
Jesus is open to all but we have to choose to follow him. It’s not any ‘supposed’ truth will do, any belief will get you there, it is narrow but open. Matthew’s Gospel (7:13-14) clearly points that out.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
UNITED
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
Matthew 28:19 – NIV
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1 – NIV
God is UNITED – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God operates in a completely united way; He is three in one. His nature is UNITY. We will never fully understand or be able to even comprehend how being three but also being one is possible; it’s what makes God – God.
God is community and longs for his people to live in the same way. His people are stronger when united, there is power in unity. A snowflake can be crushed in your hand but lots of snowflakes will stop traffic. We serve a united God, what better way to serve Him than to be united in how we live out our faith. In fact, it’s good and pleasant and pleases God.
I hope as you reflect on these things you will find them a source of strength and renewal. I pray it deepens your love and understanding of our God.
