Advent Day 6: Hope in His Name

Good morning to you, friend, on this 6th morning of Advent!

People are weak.
People need love.

You and I are weak.
You and I need love.

Countering the weakness and lovelessness of humanity, Agape is expressed most generously through the multiple meanings or facets of the name of the Coming One. The beauty of Advent is this: It inspires the believer to pause and reflect upon the significance of God's name as it graciously reveals His character, identity, value, purpose, works, commands, and blessings. Advent, thus, argues that the Coming One is not this nondescript, unnamed, characterless deity but a monarch whose very name brings hope to the whole world.

God's name gives us hope because:

   -  It is glorious and awesome (Deuteronomy 28:58)
   -  It is wonderful (Judges 13:18)
   -  It is majestic (Psalm 8)
   -  It is good (Psalm 52:9)
   -  It is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10)
   -  It is holy (Isaiah 57:15)
   -  It is the only name that will not fade (Zechariah 14:9)
   -  It provides salvation (John 1:12)
   -  It houses the prayers of the faithful (John 14:13-14)
   -  It is above every other name (Philippians 2:9)
   -  It is superior to the names of angels (Hebrews 1:4)

The Coming One is called:

Elohim. He is the strong One! He is sovereign, creative, mighty.
El Elyon. He is the Most High God! He is supreme.
El Olam. He is the everlasting God! He is inexhaustible.
El Shaddai. He is God Almighty!

YHWH Jireh. He is the provider. He supplies our every need.
YHWH Nissi. He is our banner. He is our means of victory.
YHWH Ro'i. He is our Shepherd. He cares for us daily.
YHWH Sabbaoth. He is our commander-in-chief. He commands all the starry hosts on our behalf.
YHWH Shalom. He is our peace. He brings us rest and serenity.
YHWH Shammah. He is ever present. He is personally present and active in our lives.
YHWH Tsikkednu. He is our righteousness. He is our means for right standing and sanctification.

With such a name at our disposal, how can we despair?
With such a glorious Helper and blessed Hope, how can we fear?

"The Lord is my light and my salvation,

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life,

of whom shall I be afraid?"

Ps 27:1 

There is power, joy, grace, peace, love, and hope in that name. It is the only name that will send Satan and his hordes to their place, and cause every knee to bow and every tongue to confess the Lordship of Christ forever.

So, let us wait for Him, hope in Him, and look up to Him until the ultimate Advent of glory!