Lesson 4What is Christ Like? |
This lesson presents a name of God that is only used once in the Bible, but the meaning flows throughout the whole Bible. The name is Jehovah-Jireh (JE-ho′-vah yeer′-eh). This name has two meanings: “The LORD will see” and “The LORD will provide.”
“The LORD will see” comes from the second part of this name, jireh, which in other places in the Bible means to see. However, in Jehovah-Jireh, “jireh” it is translated “to provide.” What is the connection between these two meanings of the Hebrew word “jireh?” If God is God, He can see into the future, the present, and the past all at the same time. Therefore, with this ability He would be able to foresee all things, which means He knows what is awaiting all of us (mankind). Jehovah-Jireh has been at work long before He reveals this name to His people in Genesis 22:14. Read Genesis 22:1-18, and see why and how it is used. The Lord requires a sacrifice from Abraham, his son Isaac. Just when Abraham, in his obedience to God, is ready to sacrificially take the life of his son, God provides the ram for Abraham’s burnt offering to the Lord.
In Genesis 15:7 – 17, we see God telling Abram what is to come years before it occurred and how long God’s people will stay in that condition. In Genesis 16:7-13, God sees the needs of one of His children, foresees the future, and communicates it to Hagar.
“The Lord will provide” relates to God’s omniscience and His ability to see into the future, which is called prevision. If God sees into the future, He knows our needs. Then would He not provide for our needs? Now this is where the problem occurs. Too many of us as Christians think God is obligated to take care of us. So we question why our needs may not be met according to our demands or why do we have to suffer? Do you remember what the name Adonai means? Adonai means owner and master. Based on that name, when is God required to provide for us? As owner and master of all His creation, He provides for all of our needs as we fulfill His standards.
There are other places in the Old Testament where the name Jehovah-Jireh is implied but not used, such as Genesis 3:14 – 21; Deuteronomy 2:1 – 7. Of course there are many more instances of the work of Jehovah-Jireh.
In His walk on earth, Jesus is the manifestation of Jehovah-Jireh. He provides for His disciples every need. He reassures us that He sees our every need, hears our requests and provides for them in the Father in Matthew 5:11, 12 and in John 16:24-33. Only in Christ can we have salvation, joy, peace and victory.
Matthew 5:11 - 12
11. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
John 16:24-33
24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.25. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.
26. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
27. For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
28. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
29. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
30. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
31. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
32. Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
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