We are living in an age filled with anxiety, fear and stress. One cannot pick up a newspaper, use the internet, and listen to television without hearing or reading about some form of violence, whether it comes from an accident or a terrorist attack, in the world somewhere. As Christians we are in the world but not of the world. Nevertheless, what happens in the world has an effect on us. So the question becomes what we will do about it. Thank the Lord that He has not left us hopeless and without direction. He has given us His Word to assist us in our times of uncertainty. Paul’s admonition to Timothy comes to mind: 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and a sound mind.” We also read these words of comfort in Hebrews 13:5b, “…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”*
However, the greatest comfort comes from who God is. One of the most neglected studies in the Christian community is a lack of knowledge and understanding the names of God, as well as its importance. The age old question of “what’s in a name” is very apropos as it pertains to the names of God. To a large degree the name of a person defines them. This is especially true as one comes to understand who God is. Listen to King David in Psalm 9:10 “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that trust in thee” Psalm 91 deals with God’s care for those that know him. Verse 14 states the following: “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore I will deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.”
Furthermore, a name is an indicator as to the character and integrity of an individual. However, it is even more acute and true when we see how it applies to the names of God. Scripture shows that God has revealed Himself in His names. Every one of His names speaks to one of His attributes, which deals with a particular human need. The name Jehovah means “the covenant-keeping God.” This is important because it is the basis for our healing, blessing, provision and salvation. These are special covenant blessings if we are obedient (consult Deuteronomy 28:1-14, 58 for further study). Are we living in covenant with God?
Consider the following names of God:
Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord your Provider – Genesis 22:14);
Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord your Healer – Exodus 15:26);
Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord your Banner/Victory – Exodus 17;15);
Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord your Peace – Judges 6:24);
Jehovah-Rohi (The Lord your Shepherd Psalm 23:1);
Jehovah-Tsidkenu (The Lord your Righteousness Jeremiah 23:6);
Jehovah-Hakkadosh (The Lord your Holiness - Amos 4:2);
Jehovah-Yeshuah (The Lord your Salvation Psalm 68:19);
Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord Who is There – Ezekiel 48:35).
Therefore, from the above names of God, He has made provision for us in and through His names which correlate to His attributes. What a mighty God we serve! Hence, Paul states in Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Thus, we must now face the question is there “grace in the names of God?” My friends Mike Gratzke and Bruce Hitchcock have done a great service, for the body of Christ, in answering this question in writing “Finding Grace in the Names of God.” The book is not a theological textbook, though it is theologically accurate. They have been concise, precise and succinct in their writing. This book should be in the hands of every Christian. The book is a great tool in discipling new converts.
Also, it is useful as a refresher for those who have been in the faith for several years. It assists us in keeping our focus in our relationship to God.
Consequently, when the authors first approached me about this project, I was ecstatic. To my knowledge few have ever connected the names of God with His grace. This is both huge and phenomenal. Thank God there are pastors who think and pray when studying the scriptures with an application in mind for congregates. Gentlemen, I want to commend you both for a job well done. After studying this subject for over fifty years and reading the manuscript, I wholeheartedly recommend to you, the reader, “Finding Grace in the Names of God.” May God richly bless as you read and learn.
Revelation 22:21, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”**
Maranatha
Dr. Elmer R. Masters:
Dr. Masters holds the following terminal degrees
Ph.D. Philosophy of Religion, 1988, School of Bible Theology Seminary and University.
Th.D. Theology—Trinity Theological Seminary, England, 1999.
Ph.D. Pastoral Psychology—American International University 2005.
Psy.D. Psychology with an emphasis in Spiritual Transformation—London College for Higher Education, 2012.
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