The Exodus Way Part 3: What's in a Name?

The Exodus Way Part 3: What's in a Name?

In this talk we explore Exodus Ch. 3 which records the moment Moses encounters God at the burning bush. A strange sight gets his attention… but what really changes him is not the fire, it's a name.

At first, God introduces Himself as Elohim which means the Mighty One. But then something shifts. God says: "I am Yahweh… I have seen their misery… I have heard them crying out… I am concerned." It's the first time this personal name is spoken in Exodus expressing not just power, but presence.

But Moses keeps things formal. He responds to Yahweh like He's still just Elohim. 

Maybe you recognise that: when God feels distant. When it's safer to keep Him at arm's length. Because if He really knows you, your story, your shame, maybe He'll back away. But Yahweh doesn't. Instead, in his response, he reaches past his guilt, past his hiding, past his shame -  and in answer to Moses' question, "Who Am I?", calls him by name and simply says, "I will be with you."

God isn't scared off by Moses' past. Moses' shame doesn't disqualify him - because there is no sin in us that exceeds the grace that is in God.

Then Moses asks, "Who shall I say sent me?" This is no longer about Moses,  it's about God and in response, God reveals His personal name: you can say Yahweh sent you, not Elohim, but Yahweh. 

It's a name that invites Moses from distant awareness into deep relationship. A name that connects a wandering man to a faithful God. A name that says, "You are no longer alone. I am with you. I am for you. I know your name... and now you know mine."

Whilst it may not be your usual listen, here is a song called 'Who Am I?' by Casting Crowns, that might help you reflect on some of the truths we looked at: https://youtu.be/3rT8Re1EIQc.

As you reflect:

• When life is hard, how do you relate to God? Do you find yourself speaking to Him like He's distant (Elohim) — or personal (Yahweh)? What does that reveal about how close you feel to Him?
• Have you ever kept God at arm's length? What was going on at the time? What helped you move from formal faith to a more personal connection?
• Is there a part of your life you're keeping hidden — out of shame, fear, or self-protection? What might it look like to let God meet you there — not to condemn, but to call?
• Think about the "fire" in your life — a difficult experience, a trial, a loss. How might God have been present in that fire? Did it shape you in ways you couldn't see at the time?
• Moses asked, "Who am I?" — and God answered, "I will be with you." If you asked God that question today, what fear or insecurity would be behind it? And what might it mean to trust His answer — not "You're enough," but "I am with you"?
• God's name is not just a fact — it's an invitation. What would it look like this week to walk in deeper relationship with Him — not as a distant figure, but as Yahweh: the God who sees, hears, and stays?

If you find what Dean has said interesting and have a question, please use the 'Ask Dean' link to get it to us as we will try to put together a Q and R podcast in due course. Thank you for your support and for listening in!

You can see past sermons on the Leominster Baptist Church website at https://www.youtube.com/@leobc2402/streams.

Leominster Baptist Church can be found on Etnam Street in Leominster. To find out more about us, visit our website leobc.co.uk. If you would like to speak to someone about anything that you have heard on our podcasts please give us a call and ask for a chat.