What's In a Name: Yahweh (Part 2)

What's In a Name: Yahweh 
(Exodus 3:1-15)

We explore the sacred name of God: Yahweh, revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-15). Names in Scripture reveal God’s character, and Yahweh shows us He is personal, eternal, and faithful—always present with His people.

Let’s focus on Exodus 3:13-15:

13 Moses said, “If I tell the Israelites, ‘The God of your ancestors sent me,’ they’ll ask, ‘What is His name?’ What should I say?”
14 God replied, “I AM WHO I AM. Say to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.”
15 God also said, “Say: Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has sent me. This is my eternal name, to be remembered for all generations.”

Key Truth: God Has a Name

In a world of vague beliefs—74% of U.S. adults believed in God in 2023, but only 54% in the biblical God (Pew Research, 2022)—Yahweh stands out. Unlike the nameless “higher power” of our culture, Yahweh is personal. He is not distant or abstract but the God who thunders from Sinai, demands obedience, and will judge creation (Exodus 20:3). A nameless god is safe, lacking the urgency of holiness. Yahweh, however, calls us to know Him intimately.

The Context of Yahweh’s Revelation

1. God’s Plan to Redeem His People
   Yahweh is God’s covenant name, tied to His promise to deliver Israel (Exodus 2:23-25). When God heard His people’s cries, He acted as the covenant-keeper, promising to free them through Moses. Yahweh assures us He keeps every promise—yesterday, today, and forever.
2. God’s Reluctant Servant
   Moses asked, “Who am I to go?” (Exodus 3:11). His fear and sense of inadequacy mirror our own doubts. But God shifts the focus: it’s not about who we are, but who He is. God knows our weaknesses—He knew Moses’ speech struggles—yet He equips us for His purpose. The question isn’t “Who am I?” but “Who is He?”
3. God’s Attention-Getting Sign
   The burning bush wasn’t the point; it was God’s presence in it. God used it to capture Moses’ attention, just as He uses moments in our lives—sunsets, trials, or quiet whispers—to draw us to Him. Are we missing His “burning bushes” by focusing on the sign instead of the God behind it?

The Meaning of Yahweh

Yahweh, rooted in the Hebrew verb “to be,” reveals three truths:

1. God Is Personal
   Yahweh is God’s intimate name, given to Moses in a personal encounter. He’s not a distant force but a God who knows you and wants a relationship with you. He’s not just the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—He’s your God.
2. God Is Timeless
   “I AM” is in the Hebrew imperfect tense, meaning God is always present—past, present, and future. He was I AM before Moses, is I AM today, and will be I AM for your great-grandchildren (Revelation 4:8). He’s with you in every moment, from daily routines to life’s biggest challenges.
3. God Is All-Sufficient
   When Moses asked, “I AM what?” God replied, “I AM WHO I AM.” He is whatever you need: Redeemer, Provider, Healer. In Leviticus 16, Yahweh is the only name used for the Day of Atonement, underscoring His role as our Redeemer. Jesus echoed this in John 8:58, saying, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” claiming the divine name as the Messiah who delivers us.

Application

Yahweh invites us to trust Him. Stop asking, “Who am I?” and start asking, “Who is He?” He knows your weaknesses, keeps His promises, and is present in every moment. Whether you’re facing fears, doubts, or trials, Yahweh is all you need. Reflect on a time God showed up in your life—He’s still the same I AM today.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for revealing Yourself as Yahweh, the great I AM. Shift our focus from our inadequacies to Your sufficiency. May we know You personally, trust Your timeless presence, and rest in Your redeeming love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.