His Name is Jesus and He is Near

His name is near.. - I appreciate the humble comments of this child of God and want to comment further on Psalm 76:1, "We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near."


In the Lord's Prayer we daily pray, "Hallowed by thy name." Martin Luther invites us to ask, "What does this mean?" Then he answers, "God's name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also."


Luther goes on to emphasize the importance of correct teaching and living according to God's Word, but does not tell us what Asaph meant in this psalm when he said God's name is near.


The name of anyone, even today, brings with it what we know about that person. I've just used the name 'Martin Luther'. That name brings with it the memory of that great 16th century monk who led the Reformation of the western branch of the Christian church. Through the 'names' of my family I can trace my spiritual history back to that country—Germany—where the Reformation began. I am proud and thankful for that heritage and most happy to be called by the name 'Lutheran'.


Similar use of the word 'name' is found in holy Scripture, e.g. when the Proverb says that a good name is more desirable than great riches (Proverbs 22:1). But that still leaves the question about God's name being near. This psalm speaks about God bringing judgment and vengeance upon the wicked of this earth and rescuing the righteous. In that context the following passage is the best commentary:


"For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?" (Deuteronomy 4:7).


Here Moses gives Israel instructions about how to live as they enter the Promised Land. He warns them to obey the Ten Commandments the Lord God gave them. He speaks against the background of the Old Testament's version of the Gospel of grace and mercy. The reputation or name of their God—a name they never spoke out of reverence, faith and awe—is that He is ever near and ready to hear the prayers of His children. He brought Israel out of bondage in Egypt and led them to the borders of the Promised Land. So now, Moses urges, love the Lord with all your heart and obey His commandments.


Jesus is that Lord of the O.T. (Romans 10:5-13). After freeing us from the slavery of sin upon Calvary's cross, He promised to be always with us, ever near (Matthew 28:20). And so He is, ever available, ever ready to hear our prayers.


In this very day listen quietly and penitently to His invitation, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-29).


The Name of our God has been clearly revealed. His name is Savior, Jesus, the name above all names (Philippians 2:5-11). He is the Great I AM, yet gentle, humble in heart, ever ready to hear your prayers and deliver you. Joined to Him the burden you carry this day will be easy and light.


What a reason to say with the Asaph, "We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your Name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds."