In the Old Testament a name would describe a person’s character, their nature) as much to identify them.
Nabal name means "fool," and his wife Abigail's explained to David: "…as his name is, so is he… folly is with him:" (1 SAM 25:25).
Isaac means “laughter” for when the LORD announced that Abram and Sarai would have a child when Abram was 100 years of age, Sarai laughed. I’m sure once the boy was born, they did a lot of laughing out of joy!
Jesus is from YHWH’shua – “Our GOD is salvation”
To hear this message, delivered at SHINE BRIGHT Church in Tucson, AZ check it out here!
God reveals Himself by His names and through these, His character and nature. We can then better understand who God really is.
He is the Most High God, the All sufficient One, Lord of Peace, the Lord Who Will Provide, our Father. God knows us by our name, we can know Him by His!
To hallow the name of God is to regard Him with complete devotion and loving admiration. God's name is of the utmost importance (NEH 9:5); therefore we honor Him by understanding the significance of His most holy name. I’ve listed sixteen names of GOD, and we’ll go over these briefly, and then focus on YHWH Rapha – “GOD our Healer”.
1) El Shaddai: Lord God Almighty; All-Sufficient One Who Provides, Lord God Almighty
In the Old Testament El Shaddai occurs 7 times; first used in GEN 17:1.
El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. El Shaddai refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. He is our provider, and sustainer.
See: Gen 17:1; Gen 28:3; Gen 35:11; Gen 43:14; Gen 48:3
2) El Elyon: The Most High God
El Elyon occurs 28 times; 19 times in PSALMS; first used in GEN 14:18.
Elyon literally means "Most High". It expresses the extreme sovereignty and majesty of God and His highest preeminence. El Elyon "the most exalted God." (PSA 57:2)
See: Gen 14:18; Gen 14:19; Gen 14:20; Gen 14:22; Psa 57:2; Psa 78:35
3) Adonai: Lord, Master
Adonai occurs 434 times. There are heavy uses of Adonai in ISAIAH. It occurs 200 times in EZEKIEL alone; 11 times in DANIEL 9; first used in GEN 15:2.
Adonai is the verbal parallel to Yahweh and Jehovah. Adonai is plural; the singular is adon. In reference to God the plural Adonai is used (singular adon; usually refers to a human lord).
4) Lord, Jehovah (YHWH)
In the Old Testament Yahweh occurs over 6,500 times! This name is used more than any other name of God; first used in GEN 2:4.
Yahweh is the promised name of God. This name of God which (by Jewish tradition) is too holy to voice, is actually spelled "YHWH" without vowels. This is the Tetragrammaton (which simply means "the four letters"), from the Hebrew letters: Yud, Hay, Vav, Hay. God revealed Himself as YHWH in EXODUS 3 to Moses at the burning bush
5) Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner, My Refuge, My Miracle) occurs only once in EXODUS 17:15. Check out the teaching by pastor Sonny Islas of SHINE BRIGHT Church that addresses this Name of GOD.
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist, to become known" - God reveals Himself unceasingly.
Nes from which Nissi derived, means "banner" in Hebrew. In EXOD 17:15, The Lord was Israel's banner under which they defeated the Amalekites. This is what God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give us hope and a focal point.
6) Jehovah-Raah (“The Lord My Shepherd” or the “Lord shepherds me”) used in PSALM 23.
Rô'eh from which Raah derived, means "shepherd" in Hebrew (EZEK 34:11-15). An extended translation of this word, rea', is "friend" or "companion." This indicates the intimacy God desires between Himself and His people. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Raah - it can be translated as "The Lord my Friend."
See: Gen 48:15; Gen 49:24; Psa 23:1; Psa 80:1
7) Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord that Heals) is used in EXOD 15:26.
Rapha means "to restore", "to heal" or "to make healthful" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Rapha - it can be translated as "Jehovah Who Heals”; the Great Physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of His people. (See: Jer 30:17; Jer 3:22; Isa 30:26; Isa 61:1; Psa 103:3).
8) Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There) occurs only once in EZEK 48:35.
Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as "there." Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration.
9) Jehovah Tsidkenu (“The Lord Our Righteousness” or “the Lord our God spoke to us”) occurs 2 times; first used in JER 23:6.
Tsedek (tseh'-dek), means "to be straight [unbending (not conforming to the world)]," or "righteous”. Jehovah Tsidkenu - "The Lord Who is our Righteousness." See: Jer 23:6; Jer 33:16
10) Jehovah Mekoddishkem (“The Lord Who Sanctifies You” and “The Lord Who Makes Holy”) first used in EXOD 31:13.
Mekoddishkem from the Hebrew qâdash – "sanctify," "holy," or "dedicate." Sanctification is the separation of an object or person to the dedication of the Holy. Jehovah Mekoddishkem - it can be translated as "The Lord who sets you apart." See: Exd 31:13; Lev 20:8
11) El Olam (The Everlasting God or The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days) first used in Gen 21:33.
El means "God". Olam derives from the root word 'lm (which means "eternity"). Olam literally means "forever," "eternity," or "everlasting". When the two words are combined - El Olam - it can be translated as "The Eternal God." See: Gen 21:33; Jer 10:10; Isa 26:4
12) Elohim (God, Judge, Creator) In the Old Testament Elohim occurs over 2000 times. Elohim is first used in GEN 1:1.
It specifically refers to the monotheistic God of Israel. Some scholars believe Elohim is derived from 'êl.
13) Qanna (Jealous, Zealous) occurs 6 times; first used in EXOD 20:5.
Qanna is translated as "jealous," "zealous," or "envy." The fundamental meaning relates to a marriage relationship. God is depicted as Israel's husband; He is a jealous God, wanting all our praise for Himself and no one else. (EXOD 34:14)
See: Exd 20:5; Exd 34:14; Deu 4:24; Deu 5:9; Deu 6:15
14) Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) occurs only once.
Jehovah-Jireh is a symbolic name given to Mount Moriah by Abraham to memorialize the intercession of God in the sacrifice of Isaac by providing a substitute for the imminent sacrifice of his son in GEN 22:14. The LORD Himself provided the ultimate sacrifice in the LAMB of GOD, His Son and Abraham saw this in a vision I believe referred to in JOHN 8:56.
15) Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
Jehovah-Shalom occurs only once and is the name of an altar built by Gideon in Ophrah in Jdg 6:24. Shalom is a derivative of shâlêm (which means "be complete" or "sound") Shalom is translated as "peace" or "absence from strife."
16) Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts, of Powers)
Jehovah and Elohim occur with Sabaoth over 285 times. It is most frequently used in Jeremiah and Isaiah; first used in 1 Sam 1:3.
~ All the above was taken and used in abbreviated form from a study on Blue Letter Bible website ~
JEHOVAH-RAPHA (The Lord that Heals)
Rapha means "to restore", "to heal" or "to make healthful". Jehovah Who Heals." Jehovah is the Great Physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of His people.
EXODUS 15:26
…I am the LORD who heals you."
PSALM 103:3
…3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction... (JER 30:17).
JEREMIAH 3:22
22 "Return, you backsliding children, And I will heal your backslidings." And His saints respond with: "Indeed we do come to You, For You are the LORD our God.
What is the most destructive force in all of creation?
SIN. I don’t know if we can fully appreciate just how devastating sin really is, but we know this much: it’s such a powerful force that it took no one less than GOD made flesh to break it!
ROMANS 6:23a
For the wages of sin is death…
That word “death” is thanatos in the Greek and it means to expire, to breathe out the last breath. When we consider that GOD breathed life into the dust and made Adam, the power of sin caused that life to be exhaled from the man.
When the Corporate Head of the Human Race: Adam, fell into sin along with Eve – it ruined them at every level.
In their spiritual aspects, their mental abilities, their physical prowess; their emotions were tainted, their ability to employ logic, their relational interactions. The world itself fell under the curse of sin, affecting the animal kingdom and the entire ecosystem.
As the human race grew and covered all the Earth, sin worked it’s deadly effects and today we are seeing the ruin of its workings more than ever! Because of sin, there isn’t any aspect of our reality that isn’t damaged, broken, in need of repair, restoration, healing and wholeness.
We know Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior, and as Healer His intends to restore every aspect of the human race and the world in which we live . Ultimately this will be accomplished, not in this current world system with the old heavens and this old earth, but in the New Creation.
Until that day, He will work on those who are His highest priorities: saints and sinners.
You see, even we Christians have struggles with sin, and our life of sin before we came to Christ for salvation has left its marks on us.
Some of us suffer from broken homes and have experienced rejection and isolation and as a result suffer from anxieties and insecurities and trying to find peace. Some suffer from broken marriages and many are trying to find healing in a new marriage with a spouse who is hopefully as committed to Christ as they are. Some of us have wounds because of absent fathers who weren’t there for us growing up, and need a father.
There are those in the church today who suffer various addictions to alcohol, to various and assorted drugs, to gambling, to pornography and so many other brands of bondage. All of these situations have at their heart, the destructive power of sin committed by we ourselves, or those closest to us – and we become their collateral damage.
Some in the church have suffered molestation and rape, even at the hands of a trusted loved one.
Some years ago I taught 1st and 2nd grade students in Sunday School at a church I attended. One boy had been absent for a few weeks and I was concerned. When I reached out to his parents, their answer was very vague. Finally the boy appeared in my doorway and I was elated until I took a close look and saw his small, slumped shoulders, a hollow look in his eyes, the way he shuffled into the classroom.
I asked my assistant to keep taking role call and I took the lad into the next room and gently asked if I could pray for any needs he had. The poor child broke down sobbing and slowly he got the words out – that his older brother had committed suicide.
The national average of teen suicide over the last decade ranges between a 40% to 60% increase depending on which poll you look at. The major cause for this among the youth: depression, the lack of a hopeful future.
This world is dying in every way. We need to come before YHWH Rapha – our GOD our Healer to bring about healing and restoration! Some of us are so deeply wounded however, that we even fear to approach GOD with such pain.
I recently rammed my toes against a door jam and they turned black and blue! I then intended to keep a close watch on my step, lest I let those tender digits get hurt even more! I wouldn’t let anything get close to them for fear of experiencing more hurt.
That’s the way we walk around with our wounded souls; we keep the hurt and pain buried deep down in the dark where no one sees, much less understands what we’ve gone through. To bring such things to light is something we dare not do for fear of dredging up the pain.
But the LORD didn’t come only to save our souls, but to bring restoration to the damage sin has caused in us!
ISAIAH 61:1-3
"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, 3 to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."
This is where GOD wants to meet us. In the deep places of unresolved pain, in the place of sin that hasn’t been dealt with and has snared us in its awful grip. This is why our LORD and Savior has been anointed by the Spirit: to preach GOOD TIDINGS to the poor!
We are all of us poverty stricken, spiritually speaking. We haven’t two spiritual coins of integrity and godly morals to rub together. We don’t have the provisions to handle the damage sin has done in our lives. JESUS DOES!
He preaches the Gospel of salvation that saves us from GOD’s Wrath, saves us from GOD’s Judgment, saves us from death and sin – but also saves us from the devastating damage caused by sin.
And saints, just because you are now saved, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still wounds carried over from your BC days (or even more recent days)! There are still breaches in our lives, where walls that GOD instilled in us to keep us safe have been wreaked, torn down, where the enemy can get at us, attack and bring more ruin!
YHWH RAPHA is the One Who will repair those breaches:
“…And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of paths to dwell In.” ISA 58:12.
YHWH Rapha has some to “heal the brokenhearted” – literally the heart that has been “torn to pieces, crushed, burst, destroyed”. There are some saints that are the “walking wounded” whose pain is so deep, they dare not expose themselves and risk more damage!
I would say to you, that the LORD will lead you through these dark, dusty places hidden, buried deep, and with more gentleness than any human being could possibly achieve touch you there, and bring wholeness to you! Where GOD touches, life springs forth!
YHWH RAPHA has come to “proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound”
Some of us have long been held captive with bitterness, with unforgiveness for wrongs done to us, holding on to the hurts for years, even decades. And in this captivity we have found that the abundant life that GOD craves for us is not just elusive, but unimaginable!
Some of us have lived such lives in our BC days, and have done some things so sinful, so evil that while we believe the LORD has set us free, we have a hard time experiencing that freedom.
We are still in that prison of self-condemnation. I would say to you, GOD has not condemned you! The LORD of Heaven and Earth, the Highest Authority, the GOD Who loves you has declared you “NOT guilty!” Walk out of that prison cell! Bask in the SONlight of Christ with a humble heart of repentance and receive complete forgiveness!
“…to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD…”
EPHESIANS 1:5-6
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Others might reject you for the awful things you’ve done – you may even have a hard time forgiving yourself, but in Christ, according to His grace – you who come to the Cross of JESUS, the LAMB of GOD – are “accepted in the beloved”!
“…to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning…”
What use are ashes? Not much – ashes speak of irreparable ruin (you can’t unburn something!) – but not for YHWH RAPHA! He can take a person utterly ruined from the terrible, destructive power of sin and bring about a life that is beautiful! Pouring out the oil – the Holy Spirit – into you, upon you will replace a life that can only mourn, to a life filled with the JOY of JESUS! A work of art by the Ultimate Artist, the LORD Jesus!
EPHESIANS 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
“workmanship” Greek: poema – a work of art, knitted artistry. You ladies that are skilled at knitting: ever produce a work in just one hour? Knitting takes time, patience, diligence. To receive the finished product, one must wait.
The beautiful poem that GOD is working in you – this will take time, but He has promised to finish what He has started in you: you have His Word on that (PHIL 1:6)!
Turkish rugs are fashioned with exquisite skill and beautiful artistry! They are so wonderful in vibrancy and detail, that they can look more like paintings than rugs! And yet if you look at them from their underside, they look gross: a mish mash of tangled threads with discordant colors. But look at their top side and you see a wonderful work of art.
God reveals Himself by His names and through these, His character and nature. We can then better understand who God really is.
He is the Most High God, the All sufficient One, Lord of Peace, the Lord Who Will Provide, our Father. God knows us by our name, we can know Him by His!
To hallow the name of God is to regard Him with complete devotion and loving admiration. God's name is of the utmost importance (NEH 9:5); therefore we honor Him by understanding the significance of His most holy name. I’ve listed sixteen names of GOD, and we’ll go over these briefly, and then focus on YHWH Rapha – “GOD our Healer”.
1) El Shaddai: Lord God Almighty; All-Sufficient One Who Provides, Lord God Almighty
In the Old Testament El Shaddai occurs 7 times; first used in GEN 17:1.
El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. El Shaddai refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. He is our provider, and sustainer.
See: Gen 17:1; Gen 28:3; Gen 35:11; Gen 43:14; Gen 48:3
2) El Elyon: The Most High God
El Elyon occurs 28 times; 19 times in PSALMS; first used in GEN 14:18.
Elyon literally means "Most High". It expresses the extreme sovereignty and majesty of God and His highest preeminence. El Elyon "the most exalted God." (PSA 57:2)
See: Gen 14:18; Gen 14:19; Gen 14:20; Gen 14:22; Psa 57:2; Psa 78:35
3) Adonai: Lord, Master
Adonai occurs 434 times. There are heavy uses of Adonai in ISAIAH. It occurs 200 times in EZEKIEL alone; 11 times in DANIEL 9; first used in GEN 15:2.
Adonai is the verbal parallel to Yahweh and Jehovah. Adonai is plural; the singular is adon. In reference to God the plural Adonai is used (singular adon; usually refers to a human lord).
4) Lord, Jehovah (YHWH)
In the Old Testament Yahweh occurs over 6,500 times! This name is used more than any other name of God; first used in GEN 2:4.
Yahweh is the promised name of God. This name of God which (by Jewish tradition) is too holy to voice, is actually spelled "YHWH" without vowels. This is the Tetragrammaton (which simply means "the four letters"), from the Hebrew letters: Yud, Hay, Vav, Hay. God revealed Himself as YHWH in EXODUS 3 to Moses at the burning bush
5) Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner, My Refuge, My Miracle) occurs only once in EXODUS 17:15. Check out the teaching by pastor Sonny Islas of SHINE BRIGHT Church that addresses this Name of GOD.
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist, to become known" - God reveals Himself unceasingly.
Nes from which Nissi derived, means "banner" in Hebrew. In EXOD 17:15, The Lord was Israel's banner under which they defeated the Amalekites. This is what God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give us hope and a focal point.
6) Jehovah-Raah (“The Lord My Shepherd” or the “Lord shepherds me”) used in PSALM 23.
Rô'eh from which Raah derived, means "shepherd" in Hebrew (EZEK 34:11-15). An extended translation of this word, rea', is "friend" or "companion." This indicates the intimacy God desires between Himself and His people. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Raah - it can be translated as "The Lord my Friend."
See: Gen 48:15; Gen 49:24; Psa 23:1; Psa 80:1
7) Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord that Heals) is used in EXOD 15:26.
Rapha means "to restore", "to heal" or "to make healthful" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Rapha - it can be translated as "Jehovah Who Heals”; the Great Physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of His people. (See: Jer 30:17; Jer 3:22; Isa 30:26; Isa 61:1; Psa 103:3).
8) Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There) occurs only once in EZEK 48:35.
Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as "there." Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration.
9) Jehovah Tsidkenu (“The Lord Our Righteousness” or “the Lord our God spoke to us”) occurs 2 times; first used in JER 23:6.
Tsedek (tseh'-dek), means "to be straight [unbending (not conforming to the world)]," or "righteous”. Jehovah Tsidkenu - "The Lord Who is our Righteousness." See: Jer 23:6; Jer 33:16
10) Jehovah Mekoddishkem (“The Lord Who Sanctifies You” and “The Lord Who Makes Holy”) first used in EXOD 31:13.
Mekoddishkem from the Hebrew qâdash – "sanctify," "holy," or "dedicate." Sanctification is the separation of an object or person to the dedication of the Holy. Jehovah Mekoddishkem - it can be translated as "The Lord who sets you apart." See: Exd 31:13; Lev 20:8
11) El Olam (The Everlasting God or The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days) first used in Gen 21:33.
El means "God". Olam derives from the root word 'lm (which means "eternity"). Olam literally means "forever," "eternity," or "everlasting". When the two words are combined - El Olam - it can be translated as "The Eternal God." See: Gen 21:33; Jer 10:10; Isa 26:4
12) Elohim (God, Judge, Creator) In the Old Testament Elohim occurs over 2000 times. Elohim is first used in GEN 1:1.
It specifically refers to the monotheistic God of Israel. Some scholars believe Elohim is derived from 'êl.
13) Qanna (Jealous, Zealous) occurs 6 times; first used in EXOD 20:5.
Qanna is translated as "jealous," "zealous," or "envy." The fundamental meaning relates to a marriage relationship. God is depicted as Israel's husband; He is a jealous God, wanting all our praise for Himself and no one else. (EXOD 34:14)
See: Exd 20:5; Exd 34:14; Deu 4:24; Deu 5:9; Deu 6:15
14) Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) occurs only once.
Jehovah-Jireh is a symbolic name given to Mount Moriah by Abraham to memorialize the intercession of God in the sacrifice of Isaac by providing a substitute for the imminent sacrifice of his son in GEN 22:14. The LORD Himself provided the ultimate sacrifice in the LAMB of GOD, His Son and Abraham saw this in a vision I believe referred to in JOHN 8:56.
15) Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
Jehovah-Shalom occurs only once and is the name of an altar built by Gideon in Ophrah in Jdg 6:24. Shalom is a derivative of shâlêm (which means "be complete" or "sound") Shalom is translated as "peace" or "absence from strife."
16) Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts, of Powers)
Jehovah and Elohim occur with Sabaoth over 285 times. It is most frequently used in Jeremiah and Isaiah; first used in 1 Sam 1:3.
~ All the above was taken and used in abbreviated form from a study on Blue Letter Bible website ~
JEHOVAH-RAPHA (The Lord that Heals)
Rapha means "to restore", "to heal" or "to make healthful". Jehovah Who Heals." Jehovah is the Great Physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of His people.
EXODUS 15:26
…I am the LORD who heals you."
PSALM 103:3
…3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction... (JER 30:17).
JEREMIAH 3:22
22 "Return, you backsliding children, And I will heal your backslidings." And His saints respond with: "Indeed we do come to You, For You are the LORD our God.
What is the most destructive force in all of creation?
SIN. I don’t know if we can fully appreciate just how devastating sin really is, but we know this much: it’s such a powerful force that it took no one less than GOD made flesh to break it!
ROMANS 6:23a
For the wages of sin is death…
That word “death” is thanatos in the Greek and it means to expire, to breathe out the last breath. When we consider that GOD breathed life into the dust and made Adam, the power of sin caused that life to be exhaled from the man.
When the Corporate Head of the Human Race: Adam, fell into sin along with Eve – it ruined them at every level.
In their spiritual aspects, their mental abilities, their physical prowess; their emotions were tainted, their ability to employ logic, their relational interactions. The world itself fell under the curse of sin, affecting the animal kingdom and the entire ecosystem.
As the human race grew and covered all the Earth, sin worked it’s deadly effects and today we are seeing the ruin of its workings more than ever! Because of sin, there isn’t any aspect of our reality that isn’t damaged, broken, in need of repair, restoration, healing and wholeness.
We know Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior, and as Healer His intends to restore every aspect of the human race and the world in which we live . Ultimately this will be accomplished, not in this current world system with the old heavens and this old earth, but in the New Creation.
Until that day, He will work on those who are His highest priorities: saints and sinners.
You see, even we Christians have struggles with sin, and our life of sin before we came to Christ for salvation has left its marks on us.
Some of us suffer from broken homes and have experienced rejection and isolation and as a result suffer from anxieties and insecurities and trying to find peace. Some suffer from broken marriages and many are trying to find healing in a new marriage with a spouse who is hopefully as committed to Christ as they are. Some of us have wounds because of absent fathers who weren’t there for us growing up, and need a father.
There are those in the church today who suffer various addictions to alcohol, to various and assorted drugs, to gambling, to pornography and so many other brands of bondage. All of these situations have at their heart, the destructive power of sin committed by we ourselves, or those closest to us – and we become their collateral damage.
Some in the church have suffered molestation and rape, even at the hands of a trusted loved one.
Some years ago I taught 1st and 2nd grade students in Sunday School at a church I attended. One boy had been absent for a few weeks and I was concerned. When I reached out to his parents, their answer was very vague. Finally the boy appeared in my doorway and I was elated until I took a close look and saw his small, slumped shoulders, a hollow look in his eyes, the way he shuffled into the classroom.
I asked my assistant to keep taking role call and I took the lad into the next room and gently asked if I could pray for any needs he had. The poor child broke down sobbing and slowly he got the words out – that his older brother had committed suicide.
The national average of teen suicide over the last decade ranges between a 40% to 60% increase depending on which poll you look at. The major cause for this among the youth: depression, the lack of a hopeful future.
This world is dying in every way. We need to come before YHWH Rapha – our GOD our Healer to bring about healing and restoration! Some of us are so deeply wounded however, that we even fear to approach GOD with such pain.
I recently rammed my toes against a door jam and they turned black and blue! I then intended to keep a close watch on my step, lest I let those tender digits get hurt even more! I wouldn’t let anything get close to them for fear of experiencing more hurt.
That’s the way we walk around with our wounded souls; we keep the hurt and pain buried deep down in the dark where no one sees, much less understands what we’ve gone through. To bring such things to light is something we dare not do for fear of dredging up the pain.
But the LORD didn’t come only to save our souls, but to bring restoration to the damage sin has caused in us!
ISAIAH 61:1-3
"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, 3 to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."
This is where GOD wants to meet us. In the deep places of unresolved pain, in the place of sin that hasn’t been dealt with and has snared us in its awful grip. This is why our LORD and Savior has been anointed by the Spirit: to preach GOOD TIDINGS to the poor!
We are all of us poverty stricken, spiritually speaking. We haven’t two spiritual coins of integrity and godly morals to rub together. We don’t have the provisions to handle the damage sin has done in our lives. JESUS DOES!
He preaches the Gospel of salvation that saves us from GOD’s Wrath, saves us from GOD’s Judgment, saves us from death and sin – but also saves us from the devastating damage caused by sin.
And saints, just because you are now saved, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still wounds carried over from your BC days (or even more recent days)! There are still breaches in our lives, where walls that GOD instilled in us to keep us safe have been wreaked, torn down, where the enemy can get at us, attack and bring more ruin!
YHWH RAPHA is the One Who will repair those breaches:
“…And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of paths to dwell In.” ISA 58:12.
YHWH Rapha has some to “heal the brokenhearted” – literally the heart that has been “torn to pieces, crushed, burst, destroyed”. There are some saints that are the “walking wounded” whose pain is so deep, they dare not expose themselves and risk more damage!
I would say to you, that the LORD will lead you through these dark, dusty places hidden, buried deep, and with more gentleness than any human being could possibly achieve touch you there, and bring wholeness to you! Where GOD touches, life springs forth!
YHWH RAPHA has come to “proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound”
Some of us have long been held captive with bitterness, with unforgiveness for wrongs done to us, holding on to the hurts for years, even decades. And in this captivity we have found that the abundant life that GOD craves for us is not just elusive, but unimaginable!
Some of us have lived such lives in our BC days, and have done some things so sinful, so evil that while we believe the LORD has set us free, we have a hard time experiencing that freedom.
We are still in that prison of self-condemnation. I would say to you, GOD has not condemned you! The LORD of Heaven and Earth, the Highest Authority, the GOD Who loves you has declared you “NOT guilty!” Walk out of that prison cell! Bask in the SONlight of Christ with a humble heart of repentance and receive complete forgiveness!
“…to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD…”
EPHESIANS 1:5-6
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Others might reject you for the awful things you’ve done – you may even have a hard time forgiving yourself, but in Christ, according to His grace – you who come to the Cross of JESUS, the LAMB of GOD – are “accepted in the beloved”!
“…to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning…”
What use are ashes? Not much – ashes speak of irreparable ruin (you can’t unburn something!) – but not for YHWH RAPHA! He can take a person utterly ruined from the terrible, destructive power of sin and bring about a life that is beautiful! Pouring out the oil – the Holy Spirit – into you, upon you will replace a life that can only mourn, to a life filled with the JOY of JESUS! A work of art by the Ultimate Artist, the LORD Jesus!
EPHESIANS 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
“workmanship” Greek: poema – a work of art, knitted artistry. You ladies that are skilled at knitting: ever produce a work in just one hour? Knitting takes time, patience, diligence. To receive the finished product, one must wait.
The beautiful poem that GOD is working in you – this will take time, but He has promised to finish what He has started in you: you have His Word on that (PHIL 1:6)!
Turkish rugs are fashioned with exquisite skill and beautiful artistry! They are so wonderful in vibrancy and detail, that they can look more like paintings than rugs! And yet if you look at them from their underside, they look gross: a mish mash of tangled threads with discordant colors. But look at their top side and you see a wonderful work of art.
In life, things can sometimes look like a mess, all disorganized, a mishappen, ugly tangle of things. But once we look at our life in eternity, we'll see how GOD's handiwork is truly magnificent! And sometimes He lets us get a sneak peek and we are in awe of what He fashions in us, His living poems!
You are becoming that work of art as you yield to the LORD, allow Him to touch you in that place you don’t dare let anyone else know about, and bring not just healing, but holiness – “the beauty of holiness” (PSA 96:9).
This work YHWH RAPHA is working in you is to equip you to produce those “…good works, which God prepared beforehand that [you] should walk in them” and bring others to the Almighty Artist so that He can create in them a clean heart and a beautiful work of art!
Carrying the burdens of these wounds, these broken places in our lives, longings unfulfilled, the barrenness of a life that isn’t experiencing the “abundance” that JESUS spoke of in JOHN 10:10b – this is not what YHWH RAPHA intends for His child:
MATTHEW 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
“…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…”
We know that GOD inhabits the praises of His people (PSA 22:3), and it’s the worship in the midst of pain, severe trial and testing that is most precious to the LORD because we worship GOD for Who He is, NOT for His gifts only – but for He Himself. And as we focus on our YHWH RAPHA, and adore Him, we find communion there and He touches us and lifts the heavy heart, and we find ourselves free, and praising GOD for His presence and His help!
Such saints that abide in His Word, who resort to the Spirit, basking in His presence shall be “called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified”.
Trees with deep roots are hard to knock down! Trees with deep roots, taking in water buried deep below are the strongest of trees. Trees partaking of the abundance of water bear the most fruit!
Have you ever been there? Have you spent that time alone with GOD, and known Him personally, intimately as you pour over the Scripture and pour out your heart to your YHWH RAPHA? Is this a regular habit of yours?
Those who desire to see GOD glorified in their lives, who desire to be made whole and healed over time from the destruction of sin, who desire to see GOD glorified, will abide in the Vine that is JESUS, and bear fruit that speaks of life abundant and bring glory to YHWH RAPHA!
JOHN 15:8
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
You are becoming that work of art as you yield to the LORD, allow Him to touch you in that place you don’t dare let anyone else know about, and bring not just healing, but holiness – “the beauty of holiness” (PSA 96:9).
This work YHWH RAPHA is working in you is to equip you to produce those “…good works, which God prepared beforehand that [you] should walk in them” and bring others to the Almighty Artist so that He can create in them a clean heart and a beautiful work of art!
Carrying the burdens of these wounds, these broken places in our lives, longings unfulfilled, the barrenness of a life that isn’t experiencing the “abundance” that JESUS spoke of in JOHN 10:10b – this is not what YHWH RAPHA intends for His child:
MATTHEW 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
“…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…”
We know that GOD inhabits the praises of His people (PSA 22:3), and it’s the worship in the midst of pain, severe trial and testing that is most precious to the LORD because we worship GOD for Who He is, NOT for His gifts only – but for He Himself. And as we focus on our YHWH RAPHA, and adore Him, we find communion there and He touches us and lifts the heavy heart, and we find ourselves free, and praising GOD for His presence and His help!
Such saints that abide in His Word, who resort to the Spirit, basking in His presence shall be “called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified”.
Trees with deep roots are hard to knock down! Trees with deep roots, taking in water buried deep below are the strongest of trees. Trees partaking of the abundance of water bear the most fruit!
Have you ever been there? Have you spent that time alone with GOD, and known Him personally, intimately as you pour over the Scripture and pour out your heart to your YHWH RAPHA? Is this a regular habit of yours?
Those who desire to see GOD glorified in their lives, who desire to be made whole and healed over time from the destruction of sin, who desire to see GOD glorified, will abide in the Vine that is JESUS, and bear fruit that speaks of life abundant and bring glory to YHWH RAPHA!
JOHN 15:8
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
ALSO: YHWH Nissi - the LORD our BANNER, our REFUGE - a teaching by pastor Sonny Islas of SHINE BRIGHT Church!
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