Shammah

“…and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.” – Ezekiel 48:35.

I have always been fascinated by the names attributed to God and I’ve studied them for years.

Jehovah – Shammah means ‘Jehovah is there,’ as described in prophet Ezekiel’s vision.

Ezekiel’s ministry occurred during a very perilous period in Israel’s history when the Jews were in captivity in Babylonia, hundreds of miles away from their homeland. 

Twenty five years earlier, Jerusalem and the temple had been plundered by the Babylonians and tens of thousands of people had been forced into captivity.

What do you tell ‘chosen’ people who are in slavery in a foreign land while the temple of their sovereign God is a mere heap of dust and ashes having been plundered and destroyed by heathen armies?

Well, Ezekiel’s ministry was intended to bring hope to those crushed captives.

God never leaves Himself without witness, whatever the circumstances!

Ezekiel’s message was as succinct as it was reassuring: There was going to be a restoration of the nation, the city and the temple would be rebuilt, which would bring credence to the name Jehovah -Shammah – THE LORD IS THERE.

Some scholars have drawn a similarity between Ezekiel’s vision and John’s vision in Revelation 21, as John’s message also alludes to the everlasting presence of God with His people.

“God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them, and be their God” (Revelation 21:3).

Indeed, after 70 years, the captives were freed and God used a heathen king to support the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.

The message for you is clear: Wherever you are, whatever your situation or your circumstances or your need, GOD IS THERE for you.

It might take long but God will eventually show up! He is the God who is always there.

You’ve probably had people in your life who promised that they would always be there for you but they were nowhere to be seen when you needed them most.

It is okay. Your God is not like human beings.

The psalmist said; “Even if my own father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up” (Psalm 27:10).

Shortly before He returned to heaven, Jesus promised His apprehensive 11 disciples: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

And He surely was with them, otherwise the Church would not be the most powerful organisation in the world today.

That promise is for you and me today as well.

The message for you is clear: Wherever you are, whatever your situation or your circumstances or your need, GOD IS THERE for you.

He will never leave nor forsake us. He will always be right there with you, like He was with the three young men inside the fiery furnace. 

Whatever happens, your eternal dwelling is in a city called Jehovah – Shammah, the LORD is there!

Prayer:

Almighty God, I call you Jehovah-Shammah, God who is there. Help me to know that You will always be there for me, no matter what happens. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

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