My newly acquainted Wuhan friend, Tony, roared with laughter when I tried to elucidate the Chinese characters of my name. "Shi 'qing qing wo wo' de 'Qing' ", I had told him in my best Mandarin. Hardly able to contain his merriment, Tony explained that "qing qing wo wo" was a term used for girl-boy affection and had sexual connotation. (Huh, really?) I suppose 'snow princess' would tie in with my fair complexion. One of my uncles used to call me 'jit poon' (Japanese in hokkien) when I was very young and people tend to think I'm Teochew. I guess the Japanese and Teochews are known for their fair skin.
In the Old Testament, God is described by many names. His names reflect who He is and what He does. Willmington's Guide to the Bible lists God's many names:
Elohim - refers to God's power and might (eg Gen 1:1, Ps 19:1)
El Elyon - The strongest strong One (Gen 14:17-20, Isa 14:13-14)
El Roi - The strong One who sees (Gen 16:13)
El Shaddai - The breasted One (eg Gen 17:1, Ps 91:1)
El Olam - The everlasting God (Isa 40:28-31)
Adonai - Master (Mal 1:6)
Jehovah Jireh - The Lord will provide (Gen 22:13-14)
Jehovah Nissi - The Lord, my Banner (Ex 17:15)
Jehovah Shalom - The Lord is Peace (Judges 6:24)
Jehovah Sabaoth - The Lord of hosts (Isa 6:1-3)
Jehovah Maccaddeschcem - The Lord thy Sanctifier (Ex 31:13)
Jehovah Rohi (Raah) - The Lord my Shepherd (Ps 23:1)
Jehovah Tsidkenu - The Lord our Righteousness (Jer 23:6)
Jehovah Shammah - The Lord who is present (Eze 48:35)
Jehovah Rapha - The Lord our Healer (ex 15:26)
At different times and in different circumstances, God manifests Himself to us in different ways. When I'm ill, He's my Healer. When I'm afraid and insecure, He's my Shepherd. When I'm troubled, He gives me Peace. When I'm in need, He provides what I need. When I've no one to turn to, He's ever-present with me, to guide and cheer me on. When I'm wronged, He vindicates me with His Righteousness. When I am down in my sins, He calls me to be made holy for He is holy.
Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the one and only God, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
3 comments:
I recall when I studied world religion (IB prorgamme), I learned that the earliest reference to God (in the Torah?) was the unpronounceable YHWH. God was so holy and precious that he name was not to be mentioned lightly but thought of silently. I believe YHWH is where 'Jehovah' was derived. I shudder at the modern practice of using His name so trvially - some people pepper everything they say with 'Jesus'. Where is the awe and respect? I like YHWH. Am I old fashioned? Kathy
The Hebrew YHWH is pronounced "Yahweh" in English. According to the Student Bible Dictionary, it is usually translated as "the Lord" (Ex 3:15). In my Chinese bible, it's translated into Chinese as 耶和华.
Quote from the Life Appln Study Bible: Yahweh is derived from the Hebrew word for "I AM". God reminded Moses of his covenant promises to Abraham (Gen 12:1-3, 15, 17), Issac (Gen 26:2-5) and Jacob (Gen 28:13-15) and used the name I AM to show his unchanging nature. What God promised to the great patriarchs hundreds of years earlier he would fulfill through Moses. His wisdom spans the ages, and this promises give meaning and direction to our lives.
I found this link w comprehensive list on names of God.
http://www.lillyofthevalleyva.com/jesuslovesyou-godsnames-complist.html
Love from Wuhan
Lilian
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