What’s in a name? Everything! (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 signifies that God’s presence is all we need. Remember when just the presence of your mother or father was enough to comfort and bring confidence to you? Fear, loneliness, and helplessness disappeared when they were there. In Israel’s worst moments, God’s response was always the same: “I am with you.” Those words guaranteed their needs would be abundantly 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 separate you from my love” (see Romans 8:38-39). That’s promise enough for anybody. Take it and run with it today!