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God’s names (6)
During Israel’s twenty-fifth year in captivity, Ezekiel received from God the name Jehovah-Shammah: the Lord is there. He described their future home, Jerusalem, saying, ‘The name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there.’ It applies not only to the Lord of the old covenant, but equally to Jesus, the Lord of the new covenant whose name, ‘Immanuel’, means ‘God is with us’ (Matthew 1:23 NLT). It means that at all times, in all places, under all circumstances, for all of us, He’s available and present. David discovered: ‘I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me’ (Psalm 139:7-10 NLT). The name Jehovah-Shammah means that God’s presence is all we need. He brings peace, comfort, healing and confidence. With Him by our side, fear, loneliness and helplessness disappear. In Israel’s worst moments, God’s response was always the same: ‘I am with you.’ Those words guaranteed their needs would be met abundantly. And today God’s saying to us, ‘I’m with you, and neither death, life, angels, spirit-powers, present or future fears, height, depth, nor anything else in all creation will separate you from my love’ (see Romans 8:38-39). That promise is for all of us, whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, so let’s take hold of it today.
What Now?
Thank God for being your Jehovah-Shammah, who is always there for you and is all you need.
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