A Call And Response

A Call and Response

Samantha Evilsizer

His wee body curls in the crook of my arm. So tiny, so new, only two days old. Six pounds and fifteen ounces, yet he bears the name of a weighty truth. Timeless and eternal.

“His first name is Zachary,” his parents tell me. “It means ‘remembered by Yahweh.’” Anytime God reminds us in His Word that He remembers, it’s an affirmation of His faithfulness, that we’re always on the Lord’s mind.

“His middle name is Kael. It means ‘faithful,’” they said. “Put together, his two names are a call and response.”

This newborn’s first name calls to mind the richness of God’s character: unfailing and sure. Every time he says his name, he’ll recall the Lord’s goodness. His middle name elicits a response: Yes, Lord. Because You are faithful, so shall I be.

God is ever calling, desiring our minds, hearts, and wills to respond to who He is. His names testify to every attribute He possesses.

I’m intrigued by all this naming, so I open the Word to know more about the name I call upon.

• El Shaddai means God Almighty. He is the only God who is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient—the only one who knows our needs and who completely nourishes, satisfies, and supplies as a mother would her child. He is our sustainer. (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; 48:3)
• El Roi is the God who sees. Not one of our pains or needs is beyond His sight. (Genesis 16:13)
• Jehovah Nissi means the Lord is my banner. In battle, nations flew their banners at the front lines. This gave soldiers hope and a place to focus. God gives us encouragement and a focal point in the midst of our battles. (Exodus 17:15)
• Jehovah Rapha is the God who heals. Our Great Physician restores us and heals our physical and emotional wounds. (Exodus 15:26)
• Jehovah Mekoddishkem is the Lord who sanctifies you. God calls us to holiness and gently reminds us that it is He Himself who sets us apart for His sacred purposes. (Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 20:8)

To know God’s names enables us to respond when He calls. He calls to our minds and our thoughts respond. He calls to our hearts and our emotions respond. He calls to our wills and our actions respond.

El Shaddai calls: I satisfy. We respond: I will be nourished by You.

El Roi calls: I see you. We respond: I will find comfort in You.

Jehovah Nissi calls: I cover you. We respond: I trust Your protection.

Jehovah Rapha calls: I heal. We respond: I open my heart for You to heal.

Jehovah Mekoddishkem calls: I make all things new. We respond: I believe You create beautiful things from dust.

There are many names of God throughout Scripture that help us become better acquainted with the Lord. So when troubles call, we respond by putting our faith in Him. With every birth, death, and life lived in between, we call on the One who is faithful.

Dear Lord, You are worthy of a mind that meditates on You daily, a heart that loves You steadfastly, and a will that follows Yours. When You call, help me respond according to who You are: faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

God is ever calling, desiring your mind, heart, and will to respond to who He is. His names testify to every attribute He possesses.

REFLECT

What name of God from this devotion most resonates with your present circumstances?

RESPOND

Select one name of God from this devotion. Decide today how you will respond in faithfulness to God based on the name you choose.

POWER VERSES

Nehemiah 9:5; Jeremiah 9:24