he calls your name twice

Exodus 34:6-7, ESV
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin”

I am told that when the Hebrews wanted to express a close, intimate relationship with each other they used the other person’s name twice. We see examples of this when God speaks to individuals in the Old Testament such as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and Samuel. And Jesus uses the same model with Martha, Simon Peter, Saul and most poignantly with his own Father on the cross (my God, my God why have you forsaken me?).

More than anything else, Moses wanted to know and experience God. And God’s response to Moses is, “I want that, too.” When he uses his own name twice it reminds us God doesn’t need a relationship with us, he is complete as he is. But because it is also said in response to Moses’ request it tells us his heart for us.

Be assured today that the Lord, the Lord wants a close, intimate relationship with you. He calls your name twice.

Let's pray
Thank you Father for the mercy you've extended to me, the love you've shown me and how faithful you have been to me. Thank you that all you have ever wanted is my heart. It is yours. I love you. Amen.