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“The Name of the Lord”

We live in an ever changing world. What is new today may be obsolete tomorrow. What is frightening is that man thinks he is mighty, and he can create anything and change whatever he likes. It’s a cyberworld where the impossible takes place. It’s a world of deception and cunning, greed and self-glory. It’s coming to the age where men think they are ‘gods.’ Yet, we live in a world no different than the age of the Judges – where everyone did what was right in their own eyes. That was because they did not have a king – rather, they failed to acknowledge God, Yahweh, as their King. It’s no different today, even for Christians. When trouble comes, and exhausting every conceivable solution, then only would they call upon the name of the Lord. In His mercy, God responds and sends His servants, the judges, to the rescue. Do you see the same pattern in today’s world?

Yet, the Bible has innumerable examples of godly people who went against the worldly tide. They rely on God and call upon His name. They are obedient to His Word. In John 14:21, Jesus has this to tell His disciples: “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves My will be loved by My Father.” (NKJ). One such saint is Father Abraham. We know he was not perfect, yet, finally, he knew what it means to not obey God. In Genesis 22, it clearly stated “God tested Abraham.” Imagine yourself as Abraham, being told to offer your precious son (Isaac) as a burnt offering? How did Abraham respond to God’s command? He did not argue, gave reasons, protest, nor even speak of sacrifice. He simply said he would go to Mount Moriah to worship. Anything done for the Lord is worship. To quote Watchaman Nee on Abaraham’s obedience: “And true worship is just that – to let go to God all His gifts to us, all our rich expereinces and all our hopes in Him, and to find unqualified joy in God Himself.” Joy is a reward for obedience.

Increasingly, almost everywhere I preach, God has impressed me to stress the importance of obedience. Perhaps this is the missing key in most of our lives. How easy it is to use our own methods to solve our problems. God reminds us in Isaiah 55: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” So, just trust and obey Him, and see His glory unfold.

We often tell people God’s telephone number is Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Indeed, the name of the Lord is a strong and mighty tower, and the righteous run into the name of the Lord and are safe! Lean on Him for He is worthy of our trust and love.

Keep winning for the Lord.
Richard Toh
Senior Pastor

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