How should understanding God's name influence our worship and reverence for Him? Setting the Scene “Therefore behold, I will make them know—this time I will surely make them know My power and My might, and they will know that My name is the LORD.” (Jeremiah 16:21) • Judah had chased idols. • The LORD promised a painful yet redemptive lesson: His people would encounter His power firsthand and come away convinced of who He is—YHWH, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. • The verse anchors our study: when God reveals His name, He expects a response of worship and reverence. What “Name” Means in Scripture • More than a label—His name encapsulates His character, reputation, and authority (Exodus 3:14; Exodus 34:5-7). • To “know” His name is to recognize His nature: holy, sovereign, merciful, just. • The name carries weight—so weighty that “the nations will fear the name of the LORD” (Psalm 102:15). Why Knowing His Name Shapes Worship • Awareness of His identity fuels awe. We do not approach an abstract force but the living LORD. • His name reveals personal relationship: He binds His name to His people (Jeremiah 14:9). • Proper use of His name—honoring, not trivializing—keeps worship pure (Exodus 20:7). • Jesus teaches the same heart posture: “Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). Scripture Connections That Deepen Reverence • Psalm 111:9 – “Holy and awesome is His name.” • Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” • Malachi 1:11 – God’s great name will be honored among the nations. • John 17:6 – Jesus manifests the Father’s name to believers. • Philippians 2:9-11 – At the name of Jesus every knee will bow. Practical Responses in Worship Cultivating reverence can be wonderfully concrete: 1. Speak His name with intention • Avoid casual clichés; articulate His attributes (“Lord, You are faithful,” “Holy One, You are righteous”). 2. Sing with understanding • Choose songs rich in biblical names—YHWH, Adonai, El Shaddai, Jesus—letting lyrics teach theology. 3. Surrender authority • Because His name carries power, yield decisions, plans, and emotions under that authority. 4. Guard corporate gatherings • Lead services that highlight Scripture’s revelation of His name; read passages aloud, invite silence to ponder. 5. Live distinctively • Colossians 3:17 urges: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Words, work ethic, and relationships become platforms to honor Him. Everyday Checkpoints • Before speaking: Does this word reflect the holiness of the name I bear? • During trials: Am I leaning on the “strong tower” or on self-reliance? • In success: Do I ascribe glory to His name or to my brand? Living in the Power of His Name Jeremiah 16:21 promises that God will not leave His name misunderstood. He still makes Himself known—through Scripture, through history, and through the risen Christ. As we grasp the fullness of His name, worship shifts from routine to reverent wonder, and daily life becomes a stage where His name is prized above every other. |
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