Scripture Focus: “I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them.” Exodus 6:3 NKJV
At first glance, this seems like a contradiction. Didn’t Abraham already hear God introduce Himself as the Lord (Yahweh) in Genesis 15:7? Yes, he did, but what God was saying to Moses in Exodus was this: Abraham knew the name, but he did not experience its full meaning. He died with promises yet unfulfilled. Now, God was ready to reveal Himself to Israel, not only as the One who makes covenant, but as the One who keeps it through mighty acts of deliverance.
This is profound for us today. It is one thing to know the names of God, maybe as Healer, Provider, Deliverer, Almighty, but it is another thing to actually experience Him in those ways. You can confess Jehovah Rapha with your lips, but the depth comes when you have lived through sickness and found Him faithful as healer. Above all names, the greatest revelation God gives us in Christ is Father. And this is more than a title, it is an experience of His love, care, and closeness every day. Don’t just call His names; walk with Him until you experience the reality of who He is.
Prayer: Lord, move me from merely knowing Your names to experiencing You in all Your fullness. Be my Father in truth, not just in word. Amen.
Further Study: Genesis 15:7, Exodus 6:1-8, John 17:3