Names of God: Jehovah-Shalom

Why are there so many names for God? Why is it important that we know what they are and what they mean? Our finite, human brains cannot fully comprehend the majesty and glory of who God is. Yet through the various names of God, He chooses to reveal Himself to us so we can come to understand the many personal characteristics of God. His names reveal His power, authority, and holiness. The better we understand and know the names of God the more personal He becomes to us and as we pray, we can call on His name that corresponds with our need. Finally, because the Bible instructs us to honor, fear, and respect God and to not use His name in vain, we need to know exactly what His names are and what they mean. Today, we look at the name Jehovah.

Today’s Name: Jehovah-Shalom

An encounter with Jehovah-Shalom

Gideon encountered Jehovah-Shalom in Ophrah after an angel of the Lord came to him, commissioning him to be the next Judge and deliverer for Israel:

The Midianites, a once defeated enemy, had reemerged from the East and begun plundering Israel with an overwhelming mob-like force. Gideon was not immune from the surge of anxiety and wave of uncertainty that had swept the nation. As a result, he was threshing wheat by the wine-press, in some private, unsuspected corner so the Midianites would not know he had wheat and plunder it.

In Judges 6:8-10, the Lord reminds the newly enlisted warrior and soon-to-be judge that God had been with the Israelites every stage of their journey and was with them still. Just as God had strengthened Joshua on the eve of entering the Promised Land in Joshua 1:9. so now God encourages Gideon saying, “peace to you, do not fear, you shall not die” (Judges 6:23).

How is God our Peace today?

Just as Gideon encountered Jehovah-Shalom at Ophra, so we desperately need to encounter Him today. Peace is the antithesis of fear. It provides perspective, encourages hope, builds confidence, inspires courage, and affirms our trust in the power of God. Hebrews 13:8 says that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” The power of Jehovah Shalom and the peace He offers are very much present and available to us today because God is always true to His promises. In times like these with COVID-19, rioting, and curfews, Scripture reminds us that He is faithful to provide an abundance of peace to all who call upon His name and choose to abide in His presence.

Jehovah-Shalom, our hearts are broken. Our spirits are crushed. We cry out to you for peace that passes all understanding. Humbly, we bow before you and cry out, “Enough is enough!” We cry out to you, God, to bring our nation and our hearts back to you. That Satan would not have dominion here. Revive our hearts. Renew a right spirit within us. Redeem our nation.

Thank you, Jehovah-Shalom, for giving us peace in a world full of turmoil and strife. Thank you that you are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and that you always keep your promises. Father, show us who You are as we discover and learn about your many names. Reveal to us why You are worthy of being called the One True, Living God. Teach us to unabashedly love you, respect Your name, and serve only You. Make your character known to us so we can live and walk in your image. Amen.

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