“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer [meaning the “stone of help”], saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” [1 Samuel 7:12 NKJV]
Samuel acknowledged the Lord’s help in battle by setting up a memorial stone and naming it Ebenezer. Indeed, through the experiential names of God, we can be well informed of His abilities and capabilities. The next name of God fills me with such joy and excitement!
6. JEHOVAH RAAH (1)
Meaning: The Lord My Shepherd
An extended translation of this word ‘raah’, is ‘rea’, which means “friend” or “companion.” This indicates the intimacy God desires between Himself and His people. Jehovah Raah can, therefore, be translated as “The Lord my Shepherd, my Friend.” WOW!
THE CREDENTIALS OF MY SHEPHERD
Indeed, the LORD, I AM, YHWH, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Father and originator of all things, the One Who dwells between the cherubim, El-Shaddai, Elohim, the Almighty, Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient God, IS MY SHEPHERD!!!
A shepherd’s reputation is determined by the state of his flock, and the state of the flock determines a shepherd’s credentials. The scriptures have a lot to say about the Lord my Shepherd’s reputation…
Psalm 104:14-15 NKJV
“[14] He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth, [15] and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart.”
Isaiah 40:11 NLT
“He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”
THE CHARACTER OF MY SHEPHERD
We have already discussed the character of God, who is the Lord my Shepherd, but let’s remind ourselves from Psalm 145…
Psalm 145:8-9,14-19 NKJV
“[8] The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. [9] The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. [14] The LORD upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. [15] The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. [16] You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. [17] The LORD is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. [18] The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. [19] He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.”
God is a good, loving and self-sufficient Shepherd. I can confidently say that I am in His care and He takes good care of me. He is ever present and near, always close by, as a friend. I TRUST HIM!
For Further Reading: John 10:11; Philippians 4:19; Revelations 7:17; Psalm 34:9-10; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-31; Psalm 103:1-14; Psalm 115:9-11
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)