Jehovah Shammah
Jehovah – is translated as “the existing one” or “Lord”. The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word “Havah” meaning “to be” or “to exist”. It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to be known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly.
Shammah – Is derived from the Hebrew word “sham”, which can be translated as “there”.
The story of Moses is amazing. A young man whose name comes from ‘being drawn from the river’. Saved from death because the father of his adoptive mother sought to kill him and all Hebrew babies then. He spent 40 years in the courts of kingdom basically learning how to rule. And suddenly he was thrown out to the desert where he found God is still there to lead him to his bride and new mission. For 40 years God had to detox him from the kingdom and practices of Egypt. A trailblazer, he left the known and by faith ventured into the unknown, it’s no wonder he is mentioned in the hall of faith, Hebrews 11.
There is a song that says God bless the broken road… really, I believe it is a broken road Moses went through. You see in the bible it says God appeared as a burning bush, this takes me to the time Jesus asks His disciples “who do you think I am?”, and by faith and revelation by the Spirit of God, Peter knew the answer. I believe just like Peter the Holy Spirit revealed the burning bush to Moses. Notice it is only when Moses approached the burning bush that God started speaking to Him. I too have passed through some hard times in life and afterwards is when I realized that truly The Lord was in it, in my burning bush and I could now see the fruit that is manifest in me.
Moses was 80 years of age when God appeared to him. Having been raised in a palace where he received first class education and etiquette training, this man Moses did not feel like he was the right man for the job. I know I am often like this. Where I feel unqualified to do what God has called me to do. God are you sure you meant me? But thank God He is a patient Father.
Recently I was asked to do a clip where I was to talk about what it means to be a father. I really struggled and did like 20 takes. Fatherhood is scary. These precious lives are in your hands to lead, to love, to guide and to be present. Jehovah Shammah. A father’s greatest gift to a child is his presence. Didn’t the bible record our Saviour crying out to His/Our Father, “Father why have you forsaken me!”. Moses understood this concept sometime later when He told God, “If you do not come with us, we shall not go”.
During this season of change and uncertainty, the Lord is ever present to hold you, to guide you as only a good good Father can. For that is who He is. Loving you for who you are. Able to see your weakness and say, “in your weakness My strength is made perfect”. Know that your life is valuable to Him.
Bishop Jakes once narrated a story of how he was asleep and his son screamed “daddy!!” He got up as fast as he could and his feet were running before he could hit the floor. He knew that whatever was in his son’s room he was going to kill it. I know the feeling; my sons make me brave. Brave enough to face my fears in order to save them. That is why they say perfect love casts out all fear. I am a human father, how much more our Heavenly Father, who is all powerful, all knowing. Remember, not for a minute are you forsaken; the Lord is in this place.
God bless you