What’s in a name? pp

Group Discussion  Why is it important that Moses is given the Name of God?

 Names carry meaning and give insight. They have stories and are chosen with great care.  Revealing your name is a sign of the degree of intimacy in a relationship (first names, last names, titles, nicknames etc.)  It is part of God’s self-revelation to Moses.

Activity:  T/P/S 1) Using your mobile device, research the meaning and origins of your name. 2) Reflect on how well suited you feel your name is to you based on your research.

What’s in a name?  Moses is given a new name for God: YHWH  “I shall be (for you) who I am; I am there beside you, and I shall be there as the God who helps and saves.”  The Name reveals God in what God will do for others.

 This encounter with God changes Moses’ life radically.  He receives the Name of God as part of his mission.  The Name has the power to free the Israelites from slavery.  The people at Sinai respond” Here I am” just as Moses did – echoing the Name.

 There can be no Israel without YHWH – the Name is revealed in what happens to the people.

 This is an ethical event. Israel receives the Ten Commandments.  The reason for keeping the Commandments is, “For I am YHWH, your God.”  The Ten Commandments are a legal and ethical commentary on the divine Name.  We are called to be agents of God’s nearness by acting out of responsibility for others.

 When Moses encounters the burning bush, he recalls the covenant made by Abraham.  Because of this promise to Abraham, God delivers them from slavery.  God makes another covenant on Sinai and Israel understands itself through this covenant – it becomes their identity.

 As Christians, this covenant is even more powerfully renewed in Jesus.  Our identity as Christians is rooted in God through our relationship – a covenant – with Jesus Christ.

Activity: Internet Name Search  What does your name mean?  Why do you think you were given this name?