“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray…” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Previously, we have established that we are God’s elect, his chosen people, his royal priesthood. God is ever seeking for his children to commune with him. In the second leg of our verse, we will put an emphasis on his name. What is this name? What power and privilege does it have? What are the advantages to be associated with it?
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1). It is undeniable that it is directly associated with nobility, courage, prestige, individuality and integrity. It also requires constant upkeep. More than fine gold and silver, a good name is a garment. It is the prerequisite for obtaining and maintaining true riches. Philippians 4:19 opens up to another dimension of riches that are heavenly: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”.
The names of God have stood the acid test of time, they are unwavering and trustworthy. Some examples are: Elohim: my creator (Genesis 1:1); Abba: my father (Marc 14:36); El Shaddai: God almighty (Genesis 17:1); Jehovah Jireh: my provider (Genesis 22:14); Jehovah Rophe: my healer (exodus 15: 26); Jehovah Nissi: my banner (exodus 17:15).
It is important to know which dimension of God one is invoking in prayers. If you need healing, you approach God as Jehovah Rophe. Exodus 20: 7 warns us “you shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God…”. This verse also shows the value and prestige attached to his name.
God’s name is dependable even in times of trouble. Psalms 20:7 puts it beautifully, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God”. There is no power in existence on, above or beneath the earth that does not tremble at the mention of his name (“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”- Philippians 2: 10-11).
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ in your life, there is only one way and one name that truly saves without any ambiguity. The Bible reassures us in Romans 10:13 that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”