Names

If I ever got a chance to talk to the Queen of England I imagine I would call her “Your Majesty” or “Queen Elizabeth”. I certainly cannot imagine using her given name, Elizabeth, although I suppose she must have some family members and even friends who are free to be that chummy. The ultimate intimacy, to call the Queen “Liz”, must surely be taken only by the closest of companions such as her husband, Prince Philip.

How much more the protocol surrounding the King of the Universe. One may call Him “Lord” or “God” and may append, if desired, appropriate adjectives (“Almighty God”, “Lord God”, “Creator God”, etc.). But to talk to Him as one talks to a friend? Unheard of.

But then why has He even deigned to let us know his name? His name is YHWH and He goes by that throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. I think He desires the closeness that is implied when we are free to use another’s name.

But what blows my mind is when I sing or say “Hallelu Yah” – “Praise Yah”. I get to call the King of the Universe by the shortened form of His proper name – a sign of a friendship that is as close as can be. It’s even better than calling Queen Elizabeth “Liz”.

And it’s what my God wishes me to call Him.