Knowing God by Name by David Wilkerson

Wilkerson does not write on every name of God. He rather emphasizes the personal revelation of several names. God revealed His names only as His people needed them, in times of crisis. He chose to explore those names of God in which he found encouragement in his own times of crisis. Rather than a scholarly book, this is a very personal look at several names of God and the personal impact they can have on our lives.

This is a book for weary or hurting believers needing assurance in time of trial. Wilkerson reminds us, “Our help is in the name of the Lord...” (Ps. 124:8a) Isaiah tells us we are to trust in the name of the Lord. (Isa. 50:106) Knowing God's names helps us understand His nature and character and gives us encouragement.

Wilkerson begins with Abraham, how he received the revelation of “God most high, creator and possessor of heaven and earth” (El Elyon). We are encouraged to lay hold of that revelation too, trusting that El Elyon holds our entire lives and well being in His hands. We are to rest in knowing God is all powerful and all sufficient (El Shaddai). Abraham also experienced Jehovah Jireh, “the Lord who sees,” providing the lamb for the sacrifice.

We next read about the Israelites being given fresh water at Marah from Jehovah Rophi, “the Lord who heals you.” Wilkerson challenges us to allow our own bitterness and hurt to be healed. If not, God may be experienced as Jehovah Makkeh, “the God who smites” (discipline).

With continued insight, Wilkerson takes us through Jehovah Nissi (the Lord our banner), Jehovah Tsebaioth (the Lord of hosts), Jehovah Shalom (The Lord our peace), Jehovah Tsidkenu (the Lord our righteousness), Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is there), Jehovah Rohi (the Lord my shepherd), and Immanuel (God with us). He ends the book with chapters on the God who pardons and the God who intercedes for us

Wilkerson relates each of the biblical stories and names revealed to our own situations, encouraging us to claim the truth about God in that name. His chapter on Jehovah Tsidkenu (the Lord our righteousness) is something every Christian should read.

Wilkerson says living the godly walk includes acknowledging, believing, embracing, and acting upon the revelation we have been given of who God is. This is an excellent book on knowing the character of God through the names by which He has revealed Himself. Every chapter is a sermon full of insight and encouragement. I highly recommend this book.

Note: This is a reprint of Hallowed Be Thy Name published in 2001 by David Wilkerson Publications, Inc.

David Wilkerson was perhaps best known for his early days of ministry to young drug addicts and gang members in New York City. His story is told in The Cross and the Switchblade. He served as pastor in small churches in Pennsylvania until 1958 when he went to New York and, in the following year, founded Teen Challenge. He later worked under his global ministry, World Challenge, Inc., conducting evangelistic crusades and pastors' conferences, producing films, and authoring more than thirty books. In 1987 he founded Times Square Church in New York City. He died April 27, 2911, killed in a car crash. You can find out more about the ongoing ministry at www.worldchallenge.org. You can also read daily devotions from Wilkerson's writings at http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/.

Chosen Books, 224 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from Chosen Books for the purpose of an independent and honest review.