An interesting part of ancient Jewish tradition developed because of one bible verse. Exodus 20:7 (CEV), one of the Ten Commandments, “Do not misuse my name. I am the Lord your God, and I will punish anyone who misuses my name.”
The Israelites were so concerned they would break this commandment they avoided saying His name at all.
Every time a Rabbi or any Jew read the word “YHWH”, they said out loud “Adonai,” not “Yahweh.” This is how seriously they took their reverence towards God. However, it was never a command from God, no matter how well-intended this tradition is.
There are lots of other names for God in the bible, like Elohim, El Roi, Adonai, Saviour, Redeemer, and Angel of the Lord, that are spoken aloud. But because of that tradition, today, we don’t even know how to pronounce the word YHWH.
God is so amazing, so big; one name just can’t describe Him. Each of these names tells a little more about what God is like. They help us understand more of His power, wonder, and strength. They describe what He does, how He acts, and how He moves in our lives.
In Psalm 9:10 (NIV) we discover knowing God’s name helps us trust Him. “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
And so we find ourselves at the beginning of the New Testament and the death and resurrection of Jesus. As the early Church begins, there is a realisation Jesus is all the names of God wrapped up in one person.
He is Almighty, Anointed One, Chosen One. He is our King, our Christ and our Saviour. The same God in the burning bush with Moses… the one who talked with Abraham is now revealed to us in the life, death, and resurrection of our Messiah.
You might know the story behind your name… so how incredible is the thought we can know the story behind the names of our creator! Now you can understand when people say there is no greater than the name of Jesus. What a beautiful name.
No matter the country or the tradition, Easter is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is why at Hillsong Kids Big, we’ve created ‘What A Beautiful Name’. A 3-week interactive curriculum that you can use this Easter. Big and Easter – now that is a good tradition.
Check out our 15-day, kids Easter reading plan on YouVersion. This Easter, discover the Beautiful Name of Jesus – Our King, Christ, and Saviour.
The Hillsong Kids team from across our worldwide locations want to champion the cause of local Churches everywhere. Give your kids the best possible experience each week at Church. Join the team at our Hillsong Kids Leadership YouTube Channel.
24 март 2022