How Near His Name?

“Then Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am… Say this to the people of Israel: “I am has sent me to you… The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.'” Exodus 3:13-15

“We give thanks to you, O God;
    we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.” Psalm 75:1

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

God’s name is the embodiment and proclamation of who and all He is, above all others and uncontainable. This high, matchless, excellent name of the transcendent God and Savior is to be revered, feared, adored, and trusted. He is near His children, His name at their ready call: Rock, Fortress, Shield, Deliverer, Counselor, Father, Peace. (1 Kings 8:27; Philippians 2:9-11)

In the flesh and through our lives, man seeks to make a name for himself, to be noticed and known. Yet often he sees no tie to God, even choosing to go by first name only without thought for or interest in heritage or legacy, no connection to the eternal. Defining ourselves we sever ties to others and our Maker.

Contrast this with the everlasting name of God, by whom He lives and works on our behalf and by whom we as His own are identified. By nature the Lord God is relational. Not only is His great name near us to draw and shape and keep, but upon salvation He imprints His name on us to identify us as His forever.

We give thanks, for your name is near.

How well do we know His names? How often recount and praise them? If at hand, they can be called upon, crawled into, clutched, claimed. Do we keep it in close proximity to our inner struggles, motives, impulses, and senses?

We give thanks, for your name is near.

Where His name is near, His power is available. His righteousness adorns us, His grace infuses us, His love washes us and fills us to overflow. He hears us, keeps us, guide us, inspires us. How are we manifesting that name at home and abroad? When someone does not bring out the best in me, would I trust the Lord to bring out His best in me?

We give thanks, for your name is near.

“Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart,
come quickly from above;
write thy new name upon my heart,
thy new best name of Love.” ~Charles Wesley (1742)

Lord, keep me so near Your name that it is imprinted on my character, demeanor, and actions and exhibited in all I say and do, to Your exaltation and glory.

We give thanks, for your name is near.