Jehovah Shammah

The Lord is There: A Promise for Our Future

Bible Passage: Ezekiel 48:35

Summary: Ezekiel 48:35 describes the name of the city, ‘The Lord is There,’ highlighting God's presence among His people and His promise for future restoration.

We are at the end of a sermon series called the names of God.

We started with:

Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides

Yahweh Elohim – The Mighty God of Creation that knows us by name

El Roi – The God who sees us

Jehovah Rapha – The God who heals.

Jehovah Nissi - God is our banner

Jehovah Mekadesh - The God who sanctifies

Jehovah Shammah - The God who is there

Those are not the only names.

Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord Who Is Peace

Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Sid-canoe): The Lord Who Is Righteous

Lord (John 20:28)

The Word (John 1:1)

Messiah (Daniel 9:25)

Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13)

Savior (Luke 2:11)

Redeemer (Job 19:25)

Light of the World (John 8:12)

Lamb of God (John 1:29)

Creator of All Things (Colossians 1:16)

Master (Luke 8:24)

Each name for God in the Bible reveals characteristics of who He is.

So this morning we are going to turn to the book of Ezekiel, one of the most perplexing books of all the Bible, in the Book of Ezekiel. The Book of Ezekiel is 48 chapters long. It contains some of the toughest prophetic language in all of the scripture.

The Book of Ezekiel shows how desperately God yearns for his children and how much he desires that we come near to him.

Prophet Ezekiel lived during some of the most tumultuous times in the history of the people of God. He himself was in exile in the land of Babylon, modern-day Iraq

He was grieving for his country and his countrymen and women. He recognized all of the false teaching that was so much a part of his day. False worship.

Individuals who had a little bit of the living God but had compromised it with a whole lot of garbage. Ezekiel had a heart that people returned to the living God because he had God's heart. God's desire has always been for all people to come to him.

That is the story of the scriptures. The book of Ezekiel tells of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry and how God dealt with him. There are words in there that make your heart grieve.

And there are events in there that crush your spirit. Ezekiel, a good and godly man who lost his wife at the same time the temple of Jerusalem was destroyed. Ezekiel, a man who saw clearly what was going on in his day, but who also saw clearly what is to come.

But then comes the final portion of the book of Ezekiel, chapters 40 through 48, describing something that biblical scholars have debated for centuries. What is this talking about?

A great temple in Jerusalem that has never been built. Some say it's figurative, some say it's yet to come, some say it's somewhere in between. I think we just have to be honest and say we will know when it all takes place.

But listen to the way the book ends. Because the book of Ezekiel ends with Yahweh's Shammah. Here is the way it reads, Ezekiel chapter 48 verse 35, describes the city yet to come.”

1. Presence Promised: Assurance of God

Ezekiel 48:35

35 The city will measure about 31,500 feet all the way around. From then on the city’s name will be: Yahweh Shammah.

The Lord is There, is a divine promise. This suggests that no matter the desolation Israel faced, God assured them of His enduring presence.

Because God's desire is to draw all people to himself. Because God's desire is that every man and woman and child come to a knowledge of the living God who is more than just a distant deity, but who is present among us and who is pleading for his children to return home. The Lord is there, it says in Ezekiel 48 verse 35.

Yahweh's Shammah. As you read the book of Ezekiel, you'll see something else. There is a phrase that appears over and over again in that book.

In fact, once you catch it, you will realize it is repeated time and time again, counted 65 times. The phrase appears in the book of Ezekiel. And the phrase is this, then they shall know that I am the Lord.

Ezekiel 7:27 ‘The king will mourn, The prince will be clothed with desolation, And the hands of the common people will tremble. I will do to them according to their way, And according to what they deserve I will judge them; Then they shall know that I am the Lord

Ezekiel 12:16 But I will spare a few of their men from the sword, from famine, and from pestilence, that they may declare all their abominations among the Gentiles wherever they go. Then they shall know that I am the Lord

Ezekiel 28:26

And they will dwell safely there, build houses, and plant vineyards; yes, they will dwell securely, when I execute judgments on all those around them who despise them. Then they shall know that I am the Lord

Ezekiel 32:15 “When I make the land of Egypt desolate, And the country is destitute of all that once filled it, When I strike all who dwell in it, Then they shall know that I am the Lord

Then they shall know that I am the Lord. Even when tragedies come, even in times of international turmoil, even in times of domestic upheaval, even in those times when we are grieving from the very depths of our souls, what the living God, Yahweh Shammah, the Lord is there, what he says is, then they shall know that I am the Lord. Because his desire is that we all know that and that we all internalize that truth that God is nearby, that he is close at hand.

And that is a reality today, but it will become an even closer reality in the future. You see, when I read these words in Ezekiel chapter 48 verse 35, the name of the city will be called, the Lord is there.

1. Jehovah Shammah is Jesus.

In John 1:14, we read that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”  The word “dwelling” can be translated “tabernacled” or “templed” among us.  In John 2:19-20, Jesus referred to himself as the “temple” of God.  In fact, this comment enraged His enemies so much that they brought it up at His trial in Matthew 26:61: “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”  God’s presence is no longer restricted to a place but was fully evident in the person of His Son.  That’s why He was referred to as “Immanuel” in Matthew 1:23, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah, as “God with us.”  Colossians 1:19 states: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.”

2. Jehovah Shammah dwells in believers.

When Jesus declared that He was the dwelling place of God, the people were blown away.  This next truth is equally profound.  Those who are born again have become temples of God!  This is the thrust of 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?”  God displays His beauty and glory today through believers, and as such, we must treat our bodies carefully and make sure they are dedicated to His purposes.  This is spelled out clearly in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body.” The way we live should declare to the world that Jehovah Shammah is present within us.  Or to say it another way, the world will learn about God based upon the way we are living.  That’s a weighty responsibility and a holy charge.

3. Jehovah Shammah is displayed in the church.

In his book called, “The Church God Blesses,” Jim Cymbala writes: “Even though individual lives are being changed by the power of the gospel, God’s special concern is always focused on local churches that spread his gospel and disciple new converts…Jesus himself wrote seven letters to different local congregations (Revelation 2-3) and was seen walking among them…He has chosen to work here on earth through his church” (Pages 9-10).  We are His temple individually as believers, and the collective church is also His dwelling place.

As such, we must protect God’s presence and make sure His glory is on display as 2 Corinthians 6:16-17 says: “What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?  For we are the temple of the living God.  As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.  Therefore come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord.” As the popular song by Casting Crowns asks, “But if we are the body, why aren’t His arms reaching?  Why aren’t his hands healing?  Why aren’t His words teaching?  And if we are the body, why aren’t his feet going?  Why is His love not showing them there is a way?”

4. Jehovah Shammah is preparing a place for us.

When Jesus announced to His disciples that He was leaving them, He told them that He was getting a place ready for them and then said in John 14:3: “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” There’s a time coming when we will be in His presence and as John 17:24 says, we will “behold his glory.”  Ezekiel’s prophecy will ultimately be fulfilled when the New Jerusalem is filled with the redeemed.  This scene is breathtaking in its beauty and is described by John in Revelation chapter 21, it too describes another city. The city is the heavenly Jerusalem. Listen to what John saw, the prophetic word of Revelation 21:1-4

21 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, [a]John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Action Steps

1. Chose to trust Him.

It’s one thing to profess that God is always present; it’s another thing to really believe it, especially when we go through tough times.  In the 16th Century a man named “John of the Cross” wrote extensively about what he called the, “dark nights of the soul.”  If you’ve not experienced this yet, chances are you will at some point in your life.  In the Psalms David described his times of despair.  Psalm 10:1: “Why, O LORD, do you stand far off?  Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Psalm 69:1-3: “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.  I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold.  I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.  I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched.  My eyes fail, looking for my God.”

When you go through problems, remember that God is present with you and claim the promise of Zephaniah 3:17: “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Isaiah 43:2 teaches that whatever we go through, God will be with us: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Eisenman concludes by suggesting some ways that we can cooperate with God during these dark times of the soul:

Honestly express your emotions to God

Fight the temptation to run away from your distress

Resist trying harder. Seek companions, Release your expectations, Be patient, Call to mind God’s faithfulness

I like what Charles Spurgeon once said, “Whatever your difficulties and trials and sorrows, all is well with you if God is your delight, and His presence your joy.”  The name Jehovah Shammah is a reminder that in our darkest hour, God is with us.  When you feel abandoned or afraid, address Him as Jehovah Shammah.

2. Live for the Lord right now.

If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are now the place where God dwells.  You are His temple; and therefore you must be clean.  It’s time to come out and be separate. 

In January of this year Korn Guitarist Brian Welch Celebrated 19th ‘Spiritual Birthday’ on Social Media

Welch came to Christ in 2005, which initially led Welch to leave Korn at the height of the band’s musical career.

The world was shocked when Welch shared how faith was behind his departure. Welch said he wanted to dedicate his life and career to Jesus. He then went on to release three Christian solo albums and formed the Christian metal band Love and Death in 2012.

“This pic was the number one most downloaded photo on @yahoo the day it came out,” Welch noted, “probably because of the ridicule that I brought on myself — a metal guitarist getting baptized in Israel, resembling the popular white American image of Jesus Christ haha.”

Welch explained that while people likely that the baptism photo was a practical joke, what had happened to him “on the inside” was no joke.

“It is just as powerful and secure today — 19 years later!” Welch said. “Coming to the end of myself was so precious because it helped me come to a profound realization: 1. I truly despised myself 2. my (sick), depressed, addicted view of my existence had to die. Laying my life down in the Jordan River waters in Israel symbolized that death to self.”

Welch had previously struggled with drug and alcohol addiction until he said that God used his daughter to save him.

“New life will never be birthed until a death happens; a laying down of one’s pride and egotistical state of mind,” Welch continued in the post. “I want to thank you all for being on this journey with me and having my back, whether you are on a similar spiritual journey or not.”

A documentary was released in 2018 about Welch and his daughter. It told the story of what his lifestyle did to her. It chronicled his drug and alcohol addiction.

And amazingly he went back to band he left. But not to the lifestyle he led before.

What about you?  Does your lifestyle demonstrate that God is present in you?  Have you been compromising your commitment?

3. Don’t Fear the Future.

While most of us live in the present, some of us are fearful of the future and others of us are piled by the past.  I’m thankful that God is an ever-present help for trouble today, and I’m also glad that Jehovah Shammah has the future covered.  I recently read an article called, “The God of My Future Problems.”  The author begins by defining God’s “prevenient grace.”  This literally means the grace that goes before.  In every situation of life God is already at work before I get there.  He is working creatively, strategically and redemptively for my good and His glory in order to accomplish His purposes.

Since God is already in the future, you can trust Him today and put your hope in Him for tomorrow, even if trials come your way

While I am struggling with the problems of today, God is at work providing solutions for the things I’m going to face tomorrow.  He’s working in situations right now that I haven’t even faced yet.  He’s preparing them for me and me for them.  Or to say it another way: “While I’m living in Sunday, He’s already in Tuesday.”  Are you worried about next week?  Chill out.  He’s already there.  How about next year?  Don’t sweat it.  He’s got it covered.  Since God is already in the future, you can trust Him today and put your hope in Him for tomorrow, even if trials come your way (and they will).

It would be enough if God simply walked with us through the events of life.  But He does much more than that.  He goes ahead of us, clearing the way, arranging the details of life, so that when we get there, we can have confidence that God has already been there before us.  Knowing that God holds the future in His hands should provide us with comfort today.

We have some promises about the presence of God.  Claim these as your own as you call out to Jehovah Shammah in prayer.