Senior Pastor of Sound of Heaven Church
Jireh meaning Provision
Jireh meaning Blessing
Jireh meaning promise
A simple way to explain “Jireh,” or “Jehovah Jireh,” is that it means “God will provide.” But it’s not just about that; there’s a lot more to understand about it. Have you ever heard the song “Jireh” by Elevation Worship? It’s a great song, and I love these lyrics:
“You are Jireh, You are enough
Jireh, You are enough
And I will be content in every circumstance
You are Jireh, You are enough.”
It’s so true. He is enough. He provides a way for all of us, no matter what situation we are in.
I want to take us back to Genesis 22 to understand the definition of Jehovah Jireh. In our passage, we read the very odd story of Abraham and his son Isaac.
Here we can read about Abraham being called by God, God’s promise to Abraham, and Abraham’s faith. God promised Abraham that he would eventually have a son. There was just one issue with that. His wife, Sarah, was barren (unable to have children), and he was getting older by the year (like the rest of us). He started to look around at his situation and doubt whether God’s promises would ever come true. I am sure many of us can relate to this. Doubt fills our minds with what we see, not what God tells us. This is why the justified live by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7).
What happens next is stunning. Abraham’s wife, Sarah, encourages Abraham to have sex with her servant, Hagar. Sarah was feeling shameful that she couldn’t produce Abraham’s promise, and by the looks of it, time was running out.
This is another thing we oftentimes do that is a mistake. We try to “quicken” God’s blessings in our lives instead of trusting God to receive them in His time. God will give you more than you can imagine when you are mature enough to handle it.
Hagar eventually gets pregnant and gives birth to a son, Ishmael. So there you have it. All seems to be right in the world—that is, until Sarah gets pregnant herself!
A miracle! God did come through with His promise, and Sarah gave birth to a boy named Isaac.
Abraham waited a very long time for God’s promises to come true. That’s why it was very odd and shocking when God tested him in such an extreme way.
"Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." So Abraham got up early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and his son Isaac; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place of which God had told him."
Wait a minute! Abraham waited all his life for a son; he finally gets one, and God asks him to sacrifice him? This is a very odd request, but the more fascinating part is how obedient Abraham was. He was like, “Ok, lets go!”
I believe he was so obedient because he knew the heart of the Father. The reason I came to this conclusion is because of what he says in verse 5.
Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the boy will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.”
Notice how Abraham tells the young men, “We will worship AND RETURN.” How did he know that God would never allow him to go through with that? The answer is because Abraham knows the God he serves, and he was able to recognize that this was a test. How much better would our lives be if we could identify the tests from God without all of the worry.
Abraham and Isaac go to the land of Moriah, and right before he sacrifices Isaac, an angel stops him and says not to sacrifice his son. God placed a ram perfectly in the bushes for the sacrifice. Abraham sacrificed the Ram instead of His son Isaac and named the place “Jehovah Jireh,” or “The Lord shall provide.”
Abraham named the place Jehovah-Jireh because the angel intervened. The angel prevented the sacrifice of Isaac and provided a substitute. God provided a way where there seemed like there wasn’t one and passed the test. God was never going to allow Abraham to kill his son.
Jehovah Jireh is a Hebrew word that is translated as “The Lord will provide” in English. In the original Hebrew, it reads “יהוה יִרהְי”. The word “Jireh” is derived from the root word “ra’ah,” which means “to see.” But it also has the deeper meaning of “to perceive and to experience.”
Jehovah, Yahovah, or Yahweh means “the existing one, the one true God, the one to become, to exist.”
Jireh means to “see, to inspect, to perceive, to provide, to consider.”
When we put these two words together, we get an incredible picture. Jehovah-Jireh is showing us that Yahweh, the one true and living God, inspects situations and provides the best solution.
This is the God we serve! A God that cares about us and inspects everything. Once He has done that, He is a provider. Not always what we want, but the best solution for our lives, which in turn is what we really want anyway!
Throughout the Scriptures, God reveals Himself to us through a variety of names, each reflecting a different aspect of His character and relationship with us. These names are not just titles; they are promises, declarations of who God is and how He interacts with His creation. It’s like opening up a treasure chest of His divine personality—each name unveiling a facet of God’s infinite care for us, providing us with comfort and strength in moments of need. When we call upon God by these names, we aren’t just uttering words; we’re drawing closer to the heart of our Father, acknowledging His sovereignty and the roles He plays in our lives.
Let’s dive in and uncover the profound meanings behind these seven names of God mentioned in Scripture that illuminate His promise and presence in our lives. Each name is a testament to His enduring faithfulness and love for His children!
When we invoke these names in prayer and reflection, we don’t just speak into the air; we connect with the very essence of God’s promise to be everything we need at every turning point in our lives. So let us call upon Him with confidence and joy, for He is truly all these things to us!
Recognizing the jireh meaning in our lives is much like discovering a lighthouse in a tumultuous sea; it signals that guidance and provision are always within reach, even when we can’t see the shoreline. Understanding the depth of ‘Jireh’ goes beyond a simple translation—it’s about knowing that whatever curveballs life may throw, God has a tailor-made solution just for you. Have you ever been in a position where the path ahead was foggy, and the outcomes uncertain, yet found that just at the right moment, a solution presented itself? That’s the jireh meaning in action, a reminder of the presence of an unceasing provider who charts the course and lights the way, even through our dimmest moments.
Why exactly are the names of God, and particularly the jireh meaning, so significant in our spiritual walk? Well, think about the names we give to our friends and loved ones. Aren’t they more than mere labels? They carry with them stories, emotions, memories, and bonds. In the same way, when we speak of God as Jehovah Jireh, we’re invoking the fullness of His character: the One who sees ahead and provides for tomorrow. By calling on this name, we’re embracing faith over worry, trusting that our needs are known and met before we even recognize them ourselves. Isn’t there sheer comfort in realizing that the ‘jireh meaning’ is intertwined with our daily existence, offering a solid foundation of faithfulness and care?
As we go a bit deeper into the jireh meaning, let’s take a moment to consider our own lives. What are the areas where we yearn for provision? Perhaps you’re seeking a new opportunity, a healed relationship, or simply the strength to face the day. Whatever it is, remember that the jireh meaning is not a static concept; it’s dynamic, personal, and as relevant today as it was in the heartbeats of the past. Why not take this moment to reflect on all the times provision came through when least expected? Let’s keep the name Jehovah Jireh close to our hearts as a declaration to ourselves and the rest of the world that we are in the hands of a God whose love for us never wavers, whose provision is beyond our comprehension, and whose timing is perfect. Lean into that promise today, because understanding the jireh meaning means embracing the knowledge that we are seen, we are known, and we will be provided for. Contact us today if you need someone to talk to, pray with, or if you have any questions.
Every time that I speak about this topic, I just can’t stop thinking about the song that I mentioned in the first paragraph, Jireh by Elevation Worship and Maverick City.
All throughout the Scriptures, God has provided. He became Jehovah Jireh to His children. Let’s go through some stories from the Old Testament all the way to the New Testament on how God is a provider and always provides a way.
Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22): Abraham’s faith is tested as he prepares to sacrifice his son Isaac, only to be stopped by the Lord, who provides a ram as a substitute. The scene captures Abraham and Isaac at the altar, with a ram caught in the thicket by its horns, highlighting the moment of divine provision.
Jacob’s Ladder at Bethel, (Genesis 28): Jacob, fleeing from his brother Esau, dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it and God standing above it. This moment symbolizes God’s provision of presence and promise to Jacob. The image shows Jacob asleep with the ladder touching the heavens, emphasizing God’s provision of guidance and protection.
Joseph’s Rise to Power in Egypt (Genesis 41): After interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph is elevated to a position of power, enabling him to provide for his family during a time of famine. This scene illustrates Joseph, dressed as an Egyptian ruler, distributing grain to his brothers, signifying the unexpected provision through reconciliation and foresight.
The Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14): Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt, and God parts the Red Sea to provide a way of escape from Pharaoh’s pursuing army. The image captures the moment the Israelites walk through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on either side.
Manna from Heaven: (Exodus 16): In the wilderness, God provides the Israelites with manna from heaven to feed them. This depiction shows the Israelite community gathering the flaky substance from the ground, with a warm, golden light illuminating the manna from above, signifying divine provision.
Water from the Rock at Horeb (Exodus 17): When the Israelites thirst, God instructs Moses to strike the rock at Horeb, providing them with water. The scene shows Moses striking the rock with his staff, as water gushes forth, with the awe-struck Israelites looking on.
The Widow’s Oil Multiplied— (2 Kings 4): Elisha the prophet multiplies a widow’s oil to pay her debts and save her sons from slavery, illustrating God’s provision through miracles. The image depicts Elisha praying as jars around the widow fill with oil, highlighting the miraculous provision.
Jesus Feeds the 5000 – (Matthew 14): Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed a crowd of five thousand, showcasing divine provision in the New Testament. This scene portrays Jesus blessing the food as the disciples distribute it to the seated crowds, emphasizing the abundance provided.
Jesus Calms the Storm – (Mark 4): A fierce storm threatens to sink the boat carrying Jesus and his disciples. Jesus calms the storm, demonstrating His power and provision of safety. The image captures the moment of calm as Jesus stands with outstretched hands, with the disciples looking on in amazement.
The uplifting anthem “Jireh” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music has become a beacon of inspiration for many, rooted in the beautiful truth encapsulated in the name of Jehovah Jireh. When the creative teams collaborated, their intention was to craft a song that would resonate deeply with the experiences of believers, acknowledging God’s unwavering provision in every circumstance. They sought to distill the profound biblical concept of reliance on divine providence into a melody that would elevate hearts and minds, bringing solace and encouragement.
But the backstory of “Jireh” is not just about composition; it’s a testament to the power of community in songwriting. The creative process was a journey of faith in itself, with each lyricist delving into personal moments of doubt and need, only to emerge with a stronger conviction in God’s endless generosity and care. The song was birthed from stories shared, tears shed, and the lived experiences of its writers, which gives it an authenticity that echos in the hearts of those who hear it. It encourags each of us to look beyond our circumstances and reassures us that a compassionate God sees and meets our needs.
When “Jireh” was first introduced in worship services, it instantly struck a chord with congregations around the globe. As voices joined in unison to declare, “Jehovah Jireh, you are enough,” a palpable sense of unity and hope filled the air. The message of the song isn’t simply about God providing in a physical sense; it extends to emotional and spiritual support, reminding us that in His eyes, we are enough. The song calls us to remember God’s nature as Jehovah Jireh, not only in church halls but in the rhythm of our everyday lives, encouraging believers to trust in His plan even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
Watch the video of the song below.
Jehovah Jireh is mentioned only once in scripture. However, the implications apply to every generation. We see a similar story with God and His only Son, Jesus.
Sacrifice is a common theme throughout the Old Testament. Under the Old Covenant, the people of God had to make sacrifices to atone for their sin.
Fast forward to the New Testament, where we see a New Covenant or agreement with God and His people. An old Jerusalem was turning into a new Jerusalem. The Old Covenant was turning into a New Covenant. An old wineskin was turning into a new wineskin.
The Bible says that because of our sin, we deserve death (Romans 1:32). The issue is that we all sin, every last one of us. God knew this, saw this was a problem, and wanted to provide a way out for us. After all, God is Jehovah Jireh. He is our provider, so the Lord will always provide.
How does God provide? He sent His only Son, Jesus came down to die for our sins. That is how much God loves us! He loves you with that Agape, self sacrificial love. That is how much Jesus loves us. Now that we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord, we are “covered by the blood of Jesus.” We are now spotless and blameless before God. When He sees us, He sees Jesus. He is our Jehovah Jireh.
It’s essential to realize that God’s provision isn’t just about receiving what we desire. Rather, it’s about God making available what’s truly best for us. Our role is to embrace or access what He provides. This perspective is beautifully explored in “Jehovah-Jireh: The God Who Provides: 60 Story-Based Meditations and Prayers,” which offers deep insights into understanding and accepting divine provision in our lives.
There is a way out for you! His name is Jesus, and he is available for everyone. Will you accept it? My prayer today is that you do!
Let’s pray for a way out. Say this out loud with me.
“Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of hope and hands lifted high. You are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, the One who sees our needs and meets them in Your perfect timing. Lord, as we navigate the complexities of our lives, we ask that You pour out Your blessings upon us. May Your provision flow like a river, bringing prosperity, joy, and peace in every area of our lives. Even as we seek the blessings You have in store for us, remind us to always align our desires with Your will.
As we stand in Your gracious presence, we acknowledge that sometimes we find ourselves in tough, even painful, circumstances. In these moments of hardship, we cry out to You for a way out—a path that leads us back to Your embrace. Provide us, O God, with the wisdom to see the doors You open and the courage to walk through them. We trust in Your unfailing love, believing that You fashion a way out of distress, guiding us into a place of peace and safety. Your word says that You will never leave us nor forsake us, and so we cling to this promise as we face the challenges in our lives.
We thank You, Lord, for Your constant care and the assurance that You are always working for our good. Help us to recognize the opportunities hidden within our struggles, knowing that You use all things for our growth and Your glory. May our experiences draw us closer to You and to the purpose for which we were created. As we end this prayer, our hearts resonate with gratitude, for we are confident in Your provision and Your promise to deliver us from all adversity. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray, Amen.”
Jehovah Jireh | There is a way- Sermon by Apostle Johnny Ova on 1-9-2022
About Johnny Ova
Apostle Johnny Ova is a multifaceted leader, serving as the lead Pastor of Sound of Heaven Church for over a decade. Alongside his beloved wife Rachel, with whom he shares a marriage of 14 years, they have been the proud parents of LJ, Zoe, Massimo, Lucy, and Eden. Before his ministry journey, Johnny embarked on a distinguished career as a professional wrestler for 15 years, showcasing his strength and charisma on stages worldwide. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Johnny has passionately traveled the globe, imparting practical wisdom on understanding and applying the Bible to everyday life. With a fervent commitment to theological discourse, he has fearlessly engaged in debates on pivotal topics within Christianity, ranging from the nuances of eschatology to the intricacies of the creation account and the profound nature of Jesus’ validity and deity. Revered as a sought-after leader and speaker, Johnny’s dynamic presence and unwavering dedication continue to inspire and impact countless lives.
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