JOHN 17:26 “I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love l with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
OBSERVATION: Jesus sums up His ministry as He prays to the Father with this single phrase – “I made known to them your name.” It is easy to pass over the significance of this statement. Jesus came to reveal the Father. The Father revealed Himself through His Covenant Name. His Covenant Name was revealed through the 8 Revelatory Names of God. Each time God revealed another facet of His name it was through a specific encounter with His people. Jesus came as the full embodiment and expression of the 8 Revelatory Names of God. Through Jesus life we behold the full and true nature of God. Jesus is –
Jehovah Jireh – Our Provider
Jehovah Rapha – Our Healer
Jehovah Nissi – Our Victory (Banner)
Jehovah M’Kaddesh – Our Sanctifier
Jehovah Shalom – Our Peace
Jehovah Rohi – Our Shepherd
Jehovah Tsidkenu – Our Righteousness
Jehovah Shammah – Our Presence
Jesus perfectly fulfilled and portrayed these 8 Revelatory Names in His earthly ministry. Through His life, His actions, His teaching, and His miracles He fully made known the Covenant and Revelatory Name(s) of God. This was the full expression of God’s love for mankind This is why when Thomas asked Jesus to show him the Father, Jesus replied – “Have I been with you so long and yet you have not known Me?” This is why Jesus emphatically said “I and the Father are one.” The Living Word, who became flesh and dwelt among us, was the Living Proclamation of the Name of God! This is why every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is why there is no other name given among men whereby we are saved. This is why there is power in the name of Jesus!
It is through faith in His Name that we are saved, healed, and sanctified. Martin Luther in his great hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”, proclaims with regards to the enemy of our souls – “…one little word shall fell him…” This word is Jesus!
Lord, may I run to Your Name today. Your Name is a strong tower. Meet all my needs according to the provision and power of Your Great Name. In Jesus Name!