Names Matter

I was talking with my daughter’s new soccer coach this week. We connected at the end of practice over a shared love for Jesus, serving in the local church, and, of course, soccer! He worships at a church near his home, and at the end of our conversation, he asked, “What should I call you? Pastor?” I told him, “Mike is just fine.” I appreciated his kindness in asking, but I usually prefer my personal name. Some people use the title “Pastor” as my name (no shade if you do), but I’m just as happy with Mike. Names matter. Relationships matter.

Twice in Exodus 34, we see different names for God. They’re also great descriptions of His character. Hoooooold on—you’re telling me God has more than one name? Yes! Stay with me.

In Exodus 33:18–19, Moses (remember, God’s chosen leader who brought the Israelites out of Egypt through the 10 plagues) says to God, “Please show me your glory.” And God responds, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name…”

Listen to how God reveals Himself in Exodus 34:5-8 “The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with Moses there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty…’” I love Moses’ response. He quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. Total awe. And then in verse 14, God gives this command: “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”

God’s self-revelation is incredible, awe-inspiring, humbling, and convicting. And you know what? This unchanging God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.

I don’t know what situation you’re in today. Maybe you’re facing a personal crisis. Maybe you’re crying out, “Where are you, God?” Or maybe, as spring unfolds, your winterized heart is beginning to thaw as you March (pun intended) toward the bright hope of Easter. Whatever today brings, remember this God who is full of mercy and grace, overflowing with steadfast love. He is both perfectly just (He must punish sin) and completely forgiving (He sent His Son Jesus to take that punishment for us). This God, whose name is Jealous (not in an envious way, but in a protective, zealous way), has a deep desire for a relationship with us.

Most times in prayer, we might default to calling Him God. But here’s your encouragement to use God’s incredible, personal, descriptive names too!