JEHOVAH Part 4 WHAT A GLORIOUS NAME.

Gideon uniquely met the Angel of the Lord face to face. From this encounter. ‘the angel of the Lord put out the end of the staff that was in His hand, and touched the meat ( a kid had been killed )and the unleavened bread; and ( heavenly) fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the angel of the Lord ( even our Lord Jesus ) departed from sight. ‘Now Gideon perceived that he was the Angel of the Lord.’ (Numbers 6:24 ) ‘Alas, O Lord God! I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face.’ Gideon thought he would breathe his last breath.

‘Peace be to you; do not fear; you shall not die.’ In deepest gratitude, Gideon built an altar to the Lord, calling it JEHOVAH SHALOM.’ This glorious name speaks of the peace of God, which passes all understanding. His sacrifice of the kid, the unleavened bread and te poured-out broth had been accepted by the angel from heaven: a type of calvary sacrifice. Only the sacrifice of the Son of God for our sin is acceptable to the Father- and the unfailing source of all peace.

Isaiah wrote concerning peace,’ You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. ’ (26:3 ) In dark hours, this promise has illuminated many lives with an unsurpassed tranquillity. I often committed this truth to patients facing medical or family crises. Oh, the real calm Jesus gives.

Our dear Lord made peace through the blood of the cross’ ( Colossians 1:20 ) Oh, what a triumphant death. Prior to HIS dying, our Lord spoke of this in John 14:27,’ Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.; Not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ He knew the cost of securing peace; and gladly surrendered himself for His beloved bride, the church.

David knew this profoundly, for he wrote in Psalm 85:10,’Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.’ Although written 1000 years before Christ’s birth, he anticipated Calvary. Righteousness demanded that a holy God should judge His people, but mercy and truth came together, and on our Lord Jesus’ death, the Father’s righteous demands were satisfied, and the peace of God flowed to the repentant sinner. David loved his Jehovah Shalom. So should we!

Hidden in Isaiah 54:13, is this jewel, ‘All your children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.’ Oh, how this has assured us as we have taught and watched our children develop through their university years and enter into marriage. How blessed to tell of God’s deep, enduring peace, filling their lives. Our prayer continues for our grandchildren - and the next generation.

JEHOVAH SHALOM is triumphant over the powers of evil, as ‘the God of peace shall bruise satan under your feet shortly.’ (Romans 16:20 ) This reinforces our faith in our Lord in the spiritual battles that are part of the normal christian life. Recognise how Christ victoriously attacked the evil one, defeating him on the cross.

The last verse in Ezekiel’s prophecy reads, ‘the name of the city shall be JEHOVAH SHAMMAH, the Lord is there.’ God’s flag flutters from HIS city, Jerusalem, for the royal standard is raised only when the King is in residence. Our earthly Queen Elisabeth has her own standard, proudly assuring of her regal attendance. How much more when the risen Christ is present in all His grandeur. Our conquering Lord and bridegroom will reign from HIS holy city for 1,000 years. ( Revelation 20 ) This comforts us. We will accompany HIM as His bride.

The angel told Mary, ( and how perplexed she must have been ) ‘HE shall be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. (Luke 1:32 ) Here our Lord will reign visibly, the meaning of Jehovah Shammah. The prophecy of Ezekiel is supported by the angel from heaven’s throne to the mother of our dear Lord.

Psalm 46 describes God as the Refuge of His people and conqueror of the nations.

‘There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God. The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. ‘ Then this surprise, ‘God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved. God shall help her, just at the break of day.’ (vv4,5) In His incarnation, the Son of God developed in the womb of Mary. Then He lived among His family until, at 30 years of age, He was shown as ’The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’ In His resurrection body, he appeared in the midst of His frightened disciples. This promise extends so that His exciting presence is in the midst. His city becomes immovable; His ready help is available. Oh, to enjoy His sweet Presence.

All heaven burst into praise as ’He ascended on high; leading captivity captive; receiving gifts for men; even among the rebellious; that the Lord God might dwell there.’ (Psalm 68:18 ) From this presence, ’He daily loads us with benefits ( the only weight He rests on us ); the God of our salvation.

This reveals the Lord Jesus snatching the Old testament saints from Hades, ( the place of departed spirits). After His death and rising again, HE transported the captives home to heaven, one of the most glorious cavalcades heaven has witnessed. Then He bestowed rich gifts to His church below. Heaven marvelled as the King was in residence, revealing illimitable treasure from His dying and resurrection.

The last two chapters of the New Testament tell of the unchanging Presence of the Lord of glory. ‘I heard a loud voice from heaven saying,‘ Behold the tabernacle of GOD is with men, and HE will dwell with them, and they shall be HIS people, and GOD Himself will be with them and be their God. (Rev 21:3) Jehovah Shammah has chosen to be with His people; an overwhelming privilege and honour.

John continued in 22:3, ‘There shall be no more curse ( Hallelujah ), but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and HIS servants shall serve HIM. The Lord has planted His throne, and that of His triumphant LAMB in the new Jerusalem. He has identified Himself with His beloved church( or bride ). ’I AM WITH YOU.