Exodus 3:15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, `The LORD, the God of your fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob – has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.”

In a highly polytheistic culture, the name of God was a big issue. It’s questionable whether even Moses had much concept of monotheism at this point, and he himself needed to have it straight. Yahweh (the LORD) had already been used as the name of God, but in this encounter He makes it clear that He is the One who exists; all other gods are fakes and figments. Frankly, that was a hard sell, and He had to demonstrate His power in various ways before it really got through to Moses even, much less to the whole people of Israel. Today there are three major monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and at this point Islam is in a major push to try to wipe out everyone who claims either of the other two. The results are disgusting and often bloody, and certainly distressing, but it must remembered that Yahweh alone really is, and imposters ultimately cannot stand against Him. He revealed Himself uniquely to Moses and the children of Israel, but then He did so very personally, even shockingly, by sending His Son to take the penalty for our sins, and then poured out His Spirit to indwell the hearts of believers. Only the Creator of the universe, the only God who really is, could have done that.

I was raised with the awareness of God and read His Word from an early age, but I have come to know Him intimately as an adult. I minister in Japan, which has a long history and tradition of polytheism. I have had numbers of people attracted to the Gospel, only to turn away when they realized it meant they would have to forsake all other gods. This verse reminds me that if Moses could deal with it, so can I! Actually, before the 1st Century the Jews were the only monotheists around, so I don’t have anything to complain about, compared to the early Church. It’s nice when God demonstrates His power in a dramatic way, but ultimately the most effective witness is a life lived consistently in fellowship with Him, and that is what I desire, for myself and for every member of this church.

Father, last night we attended a summer festival, and like all such in Japan, it was rooted in the worship of false gods. I pray that my presence, in the shirt proclaiming the name of this church, gave people a nudge in the right direction. Thank You for the many people who spoke to us warmly, indicating the impact we have had on them to this point. I pray for germination, maturation, and fruition of all the seed You have allowed us to plant over the years, for a massive harvest in Your kingdom, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!