The phrase "that great and terrible name" evokes a sense of awe and reverence toward the name of God. This description is rooted in Scripture, reflecting both God's power and holiness, as well as His justice and mercy. Let's explore this theme in detail and connect it to biblical passages.
The Greatness of God's Name
In Scripture, God’s name is often associated with His character, authority, and deeds. To say God’s name is "great" means that it is majestic, powerful, and exalted above all others. The Bible frequently reminds us that His name is to be revered and praised.
- Psalm 8:1 (ESV): "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens."
- Philippians 2:9-10 (ESV): "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth."
The name of God is not merely a label—it encapsulates His attributes. In the Old Testament, God reveals His name to Moses as Yahweh (I AM WHO I AM), highlighting His eternal and self-existent nature (Exodus 3:14). Throughout Scripture, His name is synonymous with His promises, salvation, and authority.
The Terribleness of God's Name
The word “terrible” in older translations, like the King James Version (KJV), means something more akin to "awe-inspiring" or "fearful." It doesn’t carry the negative connotation we might associate with the word today. Instead, it points to the fear of the Lord—a profound respect and reverence for His holiness and justice.
- Deuteronomy 10:17 (KJV): "For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward."
- Nehemiah 1:5 (KJV): "I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments."
God’s name is "terrible" in the sense that it commands respect and should be approached with a sense of awe and humility. His justice, wrath against sin, and ultimate sovereignty demand a holy fear. We see examples of this fear in the Bible when people encounter God's presence:
- Isaiah 6:5: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips... for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!"
- Revelation 1:17: "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead."
Balancing Reverence and Relationship
While God’s name is awe-inspiring and commands fear, it is also the name by which we call upon Him as our loving Father. Through Christ, we have access to this mighty and terrible God as our Abba, Father (Romans 8:15). The "great and terrible name" of God becomes a source of comfort for those who trust in Him, as they can rest in His power and mercy.
- Proverbs 18:10 (ESV): "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."
- Romans 10:13 (ESV): "For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"
God’s greatness and terribleness, far from being opposing ideas, reflect the fullness of His character—His holiness and love, His justice and mercy. As believers, we are called to both fear God (in reverence) and draw near to Him in love, acknowledging the power and significance of His name.
Conclusion
The phrase "that great and terrible name" invites us to consider the full depth of who God is—His majesty, holiness, and power, alongside His mercy, love, and salvation. We are to approach God with both awe and intimacy, recognizing the weight of His name and all that it represents.
Closing Prayer
Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, we stand in awe of Your great and terrible name. Your holiness, power, and justice inspire reverence, while Your love and mercy draw us close. As Your Word says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). Teach us to honor Your name in everything we do. We ask this in the almighty name of Jesus. Amen.
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