When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. -John 17: 1-3
Knowing our creator is the goal of this series. But how do we get to know God? Like any new acquaintance, He introduces Himself to us- in His word. Although, sometimes, the English language isn’t always great at conveying that as we read scripture.
In our bibles, we see the words “God,” and “Lord” mostly to denote the presence and personhood of the supreme being in which we worship.
To know God truly- which includes understanding His character- we must be introduced to Him properly. How do we do that? We dig a little deeper in our bible studies.
What Is In A Name
As explained in the introduction of this series, the culture in which the Old Testament was written names were important. Naming a child in this culture was done with special consideration as that name would highlight what the parents wanted the world to know about this child and the family. A name’s meaning could be a heavy responsibility for the person who bore it.
A great example of this is Jabez. We are introduced to Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4 where we find out his mother named him so because she “bore him in pain.” I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t give me the warm and fuzzies!
Jabez is ultimately known for his famous prayer. A prayer where he entreats God to help him not cause pain. If that doesn’t indicate that he felt a heavy burden due to his name, I don’t know what would!
In this story, it is clear that Jabez did not want to be known as the pain giver. God sees Jabez as an honorable man, a man that bears a name that doesn’t accurately represent his character. In His faithfulness, God answers Jabez’s prayer.
This is why names are important to God. He reveals His names in scripture so that we can accurately know Him. As Jesus explained in John 17: 1-3 knowing God is literally the most important thing we can do in this life.
In The Beginning
Our first introduction to God is on Page one. From Genesis 1:2 to 2:4 the only name for God used is “Elohim.” In this section of scripture, it is used 35 times.
Do you think God is trying to get a point across, because I do!
In the beginning, we meet the great Elohim. A name that when broken down into the original Hebrew language indicates this is the ALMIGHTY GOD but also highlights His creative and governing power, as well as His omnipotence and sovereignty.
It is also in the plural.
That may seem a little confusing, especially if you are like me and sucked at learning different languages (Just ask my High School French teacher or College Spanish professor).
Nathan Stone explained in his book ” Names of God” that the name Elohim was defined as the “name usually given in the scriptures to the ever blessed Trinity…”
That’s right, the first name of God we are given doesn’t just represent the creative power and sovereignty of God the Father but of the whole dang team!
This is wonderful news because it solidifies what John states at the beginning of his gospel ” In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.” Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, were there from the very beginning. They didn’t just show up when Mary Gave birth or when Jesus ascended back to heaven They were there from the start!
God introduces Himself to us on page one of Genesis as a whole: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Together all three, though unique individually, are omnipotent, a governing power, creative, and sovereign in and over all things. How incredible is that!
From word one God indicates to us the power and authority He has given His son, Jesus, from the beginning. We will definitely learn more about Jesus later on in our Discipleship series but just take comfort in the fact that Jesus is, was, and always will be!
RECAP!
- Elohim is the first name of God we are introduced to in scripture.
- This name is the only one used from Genesis 1:1- 2:4
- This name shows that God is Almighty, the creator in all things, the governing power over all creation, omnipotent, and sovereign.
- In its original language, it is written and meant to be understood in plural form- indicating the Trinity.
- Jesus and the Holy Spirit have been around since word one of Genesis.
