Book Review: The Names of God (Jehovah Makkeh)
Hello everyone, welcome to our monthly book review for, The Names of God, by Marilyn Hickey.
Our review for January is the chapter for the name Jehovah Makkeh, which means the Lord who molds me.
This chapter is all about who we want to be. If we want to be a child of God, then we have to be molded by God, according to His Word, so that we fit into our place in the body of Christ. This is what Ephesians 2:11-22 says about becoming a member of the household of God:
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Isn’t that absolutely beautiful what God has done for us, through the sacrifice of Jesus? Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus.
Marilyn speaks about Satan wanting to crush us, while God wants to mold, chisel and smooth us out - never crush. She gives the best advice when Satan tries to crush us with difficult circumstances. Run to Jesus - each and every time!
I like how Marilyn asks reflective questions such as: What is our attitude when we are corrected by our Heavenly Father? Proverbs 16:18 and Psalm 51:17 are verses, among others, that are referenced. Both deal with pride and humility.
Another reflective question: Do we fall apart and give up under difficult circumstances or do we shape-up and learn from the experiences?
As Marilyn pointed out, we will do well to remember that correction and training come from God’s hand. Marilyn goes on to give examples of some kings in the Old Testament that did not fully trust the Lord in their circumstances. Marilyn also points out that it is costly to be true to God, and the Bible is full of examples of those who were willing to pay the cost and those who weren’t. This makes me think of a few Bible verses:
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me - Matthew 16:24
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? - Matthew 16:26
Counting the cost of following Jesus: This remind me of something that is still current for me. When I was working at an international school, I was persuaded to start taking a course that I needed in order to pursue a teaching degree. One of the three subjects was a history class. As I was reading the history book, I was very dismayed that it was teaching evolution as a fact and I was supposed to learn these facts, and complete assignments and tests based on these lies, in order to succeed in the course. When I asked another Christian advice about this, they told me that their husband had had a similar experience, but just told the teachers what they wanted to hear, in order to pass the course. I decided that I would not be willing to do that, so I withdrew from the course. However, the institute would not give me a refund, so I am still paying off the loan I took for that course. Moneywise, it’s a very sore point for me. But when I think about the stance I took, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, it’s one of the many costs I have to pay.
Marilyn talks about misfortune and who we blame when our sin results in difficult circumstances. She rightly asks, if saying, “Look what God did to me?” is the right thing to say. Throughout the whole chapter, Marilyn lifts up the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins and points us to beautiful Bible verses such as Isaiah 53:4-5 and Zechariah 13:7, that point to the good shepherd, Jesus Christ, who was punished by God, for our sins. In this context, Marilyn appeals to us to remember that Jesus has come between us and any circumstance that threatens to crush us.
Marilyn’s powerful testimony about a difficult circumstance in her own life, provides us with a witness in allowing Jesus to carry our burdens and turning to God in prayer for direction. Amen.
Jehovah Makkeh is a wonderful chapter about our powerful Heavenly Father who reminds us, all the way thoroughout His Word, that we can be renewed for a glorious purpose.
Our next book review will be at the end of February.
Thank you for reading this review. Until next time - peace be with you.
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