Yahweh
In the Old Testament, people’s names often describe their character. So, when Moses asked God who he is, the name He gave himself wasn’t chosen at random but rather chosen to reveal things about himself. God described himself as self-sufficient, self-sustaining and powerful over all things. God who was, who is, and who will be. He is infinite! “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10) God is in control of everything and is sovereign over our lives. He Is Who He Is.
Elohim
In Genesis we learn that God created the heavens and the earth; day and night; the sky, sun, moon and stars; land and sea and all creatures including man and woman. Then He rested. It wasn’t because He was finished being the Creator. He didn’t just create all these things. He created the way they would work and adapt to their surroundings. Think about the sunflower and how it leans toward the sun throughout the day. During the summer we watch the seeds and bulbs we planted earlier in the year burst through the ground when warmed by the sun and watered by the rain. His creations weren’t limited to the things He made but were also enhanced by the way He made them function.
Jehovah Rapha
God created. His creation included time and space. Both were problems for a man lying by a pool in Jerusalem. He had been an invalid for 38 years. Many other disabled people were around the pool. They believed the first person who got in when the waters stirred would be healed. For the invalid, the distance was too great. The time was too long. He could never get into the water first. Then Jesus showed up. He removed the time and space problems and healed the man. It’s hard to understand, and often frustrating, but God’s timing is perfect.
Abba
“If patience is worth anything, it must endure to the end of time. And a living faith will last in the midst of the blackest storm.” – Mahatma Gandhi Reading the story of the prodigal son brings to mind what Gandhi calls, “the blackest storm.” How long did the father wait, wonder and endure? No matter the length of time in waiting or the unknown fate of the son, the loving father waits. The loving father is willing and ready to display the traits we long for in an ideal father… ready to proclaim when we come, “he was lost and is found.”
Jehovah Jireh
There was a family who lived on one income and had a tight budget. They rarely went out to eat. One Sunday the mother wanted to treat the kids to lunch out at a restaurant, but she knew they couldn’t afford it. A thought crossed her mind that someone was going to give her money to go out on, but she didn’t expect it. She never said anything to anyone, but right before the family left church that Sunday, a friend handed her money and told her to treat the kids with lunch. God is so faithful. He not only provides for needs, but he may sometimes reward the faithful with their desires, too.