Praise His Name

10/01/21 – 10/09/21

Yahweh Shammah: The God Who Is in Our Midst

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  10/09/21

Read Ezekiel 48:30-35.

The prophet Ezekiel wrote while in exile far from his home in Judah. It was a dark time for God’s people, who had been taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and yet Ezekiel spoke about a glorious future. Dry bones would rattle and come to life, flesh would be restored, and the breath of life would fill newly formed lungs. God’s plan of redemption was not over.

Ezekiel also had a vision of a rebuilt Jerusalem, a new temple, and a city that will go by a new name: Yahweh Shammah, or “THE LORD IS THERE” (Ezekiel 48:35). The most important feature of the new holy city will be God’s presence. Revelation tells us this city is where the story of redemption will end—with God once again dwelling with His people (see Revelation 21:3).

But we don’t have to wait for the end of history. God is Yahweh Shammah right now! If you know Jesus, the Lord is with you today, wherever you are. Through His Spirit, His presence resides within you. You are a temple of God, and you can live every day of your life in His glorious presence. Though at times He may seem distant, we have the assurance of God’s Word that He is with us and will never forsake us. And, one day, He will gather His people to a new heavenly city where we will enjoy His presence forever.

Prayer: God, Your presence is my peace. You are my great reward. Thank You that I will live in Your presence forever as Your child. Thank You for the gift of Your glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE” (Ezekiel 48:35).