Christ—Jehovah, 4of9

~ The Titles “Jehovah-Rapha” & “Jehovah-Mekaddischem” ~

Jesus said, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30). 

There are quite a number of Jehovah titles.  This series will focus on seven Jehovah titles which embrace the fullness of Jesus Christ for His people.  These titles include the completeness of Jehovah’s name as it is manifested in the life of Jesus Christ for His people.  These titles show how the Messiah completely meets His people’s need from their guilt to their future glory. 

Jehovah-Ropha (Jehovah-Ropheka) means “the Lord our healer,” or “God my Healer.”  Moses said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians.  For I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26).  This passage is part of the Biblical account of Israel’s arrival at Marah in the wilderness.  They had traveled three days through the wilderness and now when they found water it was so disappointing because it was bitter.

The principles here are important.  Marah was where God had led them.  This is common in our modern experience—we obey but the results aren’t what we expected.  We follow God’s leading but the results are not immediately satisfying.  In our Christian life we are not immune from the frustrations and disappointments of life on earth.  As His children we are to obey Him and ask for forgiveness when we fail, murmur, or complain—ultimately He has our best in mind.  He knows best.  Our role model, Jesus Christ, suffered the indescribable agony of the Cross on our behalf—but the result was good!  Death was and is conquered.  May we not regret or complain about the Marah experiences of this life.  He is our healer not just physically, but spiritually.  He knows what is best for us as He builds some of the character of Christ into our lives.

There is a related title of Jehovah:

Jehovah-Mekaddischem  means “the Lord our healer,” or “God my Healer.”  “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: “Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you”’” (Exodus 31:12-13).  Perhaps this is the most meaningful of all the Jehovah- titles.  Sanctification is a process occurring in every Christian that begins at the moment of their salvation.  It is also a never-ending process until we either go the grave or meet the Messiah at the rapture.  This is the name that reminds us that we are a holy people who are set aside for service to God for His glory. 

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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