In Exodus 3:15 God
(Hebrew-“Elohim”) reveals Himself to Moses and the Israelites by the name “Yahweh.”
Our English Bibles translate this word “The LORD” (all caps is “Yahweh,” lower
case is “Adonai”). God speaks to Moses and tells him to tell the Israelites
“this is the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” But when we English speakers say “the” LORD
it sounds formal and impersonal. In using the article “the” we are not calling
someone by personal name but by title, role, or position. It’s respectful but not intimate. The Hebrew Bible does not have “the” in front of Yahweh; Yahweh is a
personal name, not a title.
In Exodus 6:8 God tells the oppressed Israelites that He will take them as His own people
and be their God (Elohim) and that He will deliver them from slavery and bring them to the promised land. He ends the stated promise with an oath: “I am the LORD.” That sounds
like an authentic word of authority, using the title “The LORD.” But the
Hebrew says “I am Yahweh.” Hmm...
God has from the
beginning wanted us to know Him by name, personally, as His children. "Yahweh" is who Jesus calls "Abba." We don't need to refer to Him as "The Father" but can directly call Him "Father." For some even saying “Father God” may be
ascribing a title to Him, a form of respect and honor. This is good. But if
using this title prevents us from experiencing intimacy with Him as Father, then perhaps we
need to call Him directly by name “Abba” or “Father” or “Yahweh.”
I love when my children call me “Daddy” even
though two of them are grown up and married now. They are my children and they
love me as Daddy.
You are Abba’s
child, let Him love you as “Papa.” Let Him be "Father" to you. All His promises are based on all the
authority He has “I am Yahweh.” “I am Father.” "I am your Father."
