Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Daily DevotionalSample

Jehovah-bara There are two words in the Hebrew language that are translated as create in English. But while they share the same English translation, they each have very different Hebrew meanings. One means to create out of pre-exiting materials (to fashion), while the other means to create out of nothing (to initiate). And it's this second Hebrew word, bara, (which means to create out of nothing), that's joined with the name of God to form the name Jehovah-bara. As we take a closer look at the word bara, we find that it's limited to God's divine activity. That's because only God has the ability to make something out of nothing. At our very best, we can only create things from materials that already exist. Michelangelo needed a block of marble to sculpt his statue of David, and Van Gogh needed canvas and paint to create "Starry Night." Simply put, man cannot bara. So the name Jehovah-bara points to the Lord's singular ability to create something out of nothing. We see bara in action when He spoke the universe into existence (Hebrews 11:3). We also see it at the end of time when He creates a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17). But between these two monumental events, we see Jehovah-bara at work in our own lives. A new thing is created as Christ comes into our lives and does something we never could. If we tried really hard, we might be able to reform our own sinful nature, but Jehovah-bara isn't limited like that. He doesn't just re-form. He creates a brand new nature in us. He gives us a new heart-a clean heart-because He alone is Jehovah-bara. The second Hebrew word for create, bara, (which means to create out of nothing), is joined with the name of God to form the name Jehovah-bara. Think about it... What does this passage reveal to me about God? What does this passage reveal to me about myself? Based on this, what changes do I need to make? What is my prayer for today?