What’s In a Name? Everything! (6)

“The name of the city…shall be, The Lord is there.” Eze 48:35

During Israel’s twenty-fifth year of captivity, Ezekiel the prophet received from God His name Jehovah-Shammah: The Lord is there. God described Israel’s future home, Jerusalem, saying, “And the name of the city…shall be, The Lord is there [Jehovah-Shammah].” It applied not only to the Lord of the old covenant, but equally to Jesus, the Lord of the new covenant. His name, “Immanuel,” like Jehovah-Shammah, means, “the Lord is with us” (See Isaiah 7:14). And it means at all times, in all places, under all circumstances, and for allof us, God is ever available and ever present! David proclaimed: “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” (Ps 139:7-10 NLT). Do you remember as a child how fear, loneliness, and helplessness disappeared when you were in your mom’s or dad’s presence? In Israel’s deepest despair God’s response was always, “I am with you.” Those words guaranteed that their needs would always be met! And today God is saying to you, “I’m with you,” and “neither death, life, angels, spirit-powers, present or future fears, height, depth, nor anything else in all creation will ever separate us” (Ro 8:38-39). That promise extends to all God’s redeemed children—reach out and grasp it. 

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