God Has a Name by John Mark Comer

God Has a Name by John Mark Comer is a compelling exploration of God's identity as revealed in Exodus 34:6-7, where God describes Himself to Moses. The book emphasizes that God’s name, Yahweh, and the attributes associated with it, are central to understanding who God is—not just as an abstract concept, but as a deeply relational being who desires to be known by His people.

Understanding God’s Name

Comer begins by addressing the common misconceptions many people hold about God. He argues that our perceptions of God are often shaped more by culture, tradition, or personal experience than by the biblical revelation of who God actually is. This distorted view can lead to a distant, impersonal relationship with God, rather than the intimate, personal connection that He desires.

To counter this, Comer turns to the foundational passage in Exodus 34:6-7, where God proclaims His name to Moses. This passage, Comer argues, is one of the most important in the Bible because it is the only place where God directly describes His character in detail. He unpacks each aspect of God's self-description, showing how it reveals the true nature of God.

Yahweh: The Personal Name of God

The first aspect Comer explores is God’s name, Yahweh. Unlike titles such as "Lord" or "God," Yahweh is a personal name, signifying a personal, covenantal relationship with His people. Comer emphasizes that knowing God’s name is an invitation to know Him personally, not just as a distant deity, but as a being who is deeply involved in the lives of His people.

Comer discusses the significance of the name Yahweh in the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, where knowing someone’s name was a way of knowing their character and essence. By revealing His name, God is inviting His people into a relationship that is based on intimate knowledge and trust.

The Character of God

Following the revelation of His name, God describes His character with a series of attributes: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished.”

Comer delves into each of these attributes, offering a deeper understanding of what they mean and how they reflect God’s nature.

• Compassionate and Gracious: Comer explains that God’s compassion is like that of a parent towards a child—a deep, visceral love that moves Him to act on behalf of His people. His grace, similarly, is His willingness to give unmerited favor, to extend kindness and mercy even when it is undeserved.
• Slow to Anger: Comer contrasts God’s patience with the quick-tempered gods of other religions and the often hasty anger of humans. God’s slowness to anger is a testament to His enduring love and patience, giving people time to repent and turn back to Him.
• Abounding in Love and Faithfulness: God’s love is not limited or conditional; it is abundant, overflowing, and steadfast. Comer explains that God’s faithfulness means He is trustworthy and reliable—His promises are sure, and He is committed to His people even when they are unfaithful.
• Maintaining Love to Thousands: Comer highlights the generational nature of God’s love, which extends beyond individuals to their descendants, showing that God’s covenantal love is enduring and far-reaching.
• Forgiving Wickedness, Rebellion, and Sin: Comer emphasizes the breadth of God’s forgiveness, which covers all kinds of wrongdoing. Yet, this forgiveness is not automatic or cheap—it is costly, requiring repentance and a turning away from sin.
• Justice and Punishment: Finally, Comer addresses the challenging aspect of God’s justice, where He does not leave the guilty unpunished. Comer explains that God’s justice is integral to His character; it ensures that evil is dealt with and that righteousness prevails. However, God’s justice is always balanced with His mercy and love.

The Implications for Our Lives

Comer argues that understanding God’s name and character has profound implications for how we live. Knowing who God truly is changes how we relate to Him, how we view ourselves, and how we interact with others. It calls for a response of trust, worship, and obedience, rooted in the assurance that God is who He says He is—faithful, loving, just, and merciful.

Comer challenges readers to examine their own views of God and to align them with the biblical revelation. He suggests that many of the struggles and anxieties people face in their spiritual lives stem from a distorted view of God. By returning to the truth of who God is, as revealed in His name, believers can experience a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.

The Relational Nature of God

A key theme throughout the book is the relational nature of God. Comer emphasizes that God’s self-revelation is not just about abstract theological concepts but is deeply personal and relational. God wants to be known, and He wants to be in a relationship with His people. This relational aspect of God’s nature is what makes the Christian faith unique—God is not distant or aloof, but near and intimately involved in the lives of His people.

Comer also explores the implications of God’s relational nature for human relationships. He suggests that just as God is compassionate, gracious, and slow to anger, so too should His people embody these qualities in their relationships with others. The way we treat others is a reflection of our understanding of who God is and how He has treated us.

A Call to Know God Personally

Ultimately, God Has a Name is a call to know God personally, not just as a theological concept but as a living, active presence in our lives. Comer encourages readers to move beyond a surface-level understanding of God and to dive deep into the richness of His character as revealed in Scripture. By doing so, believers can experience the fullness of life that comes from knowing God as He truly is—Yahweh, the compassionate, gracious, loving, just, and faithful God.

Comer’s accessible and engaging writing style makes complex theological concepts relatable and applicable to everyday life. He uses humor, personal anecdotes, and biblical insights to draw readers into a deeper understanding of God’s character and to inspire them to pursue a more intimate relationship with Him.

In conclusion, God Has a Name is a powerful exploration of the identity of God as revealed in Scripture. It challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of God and to embrace a relationship with Him that is grounded in truth, love, and trust. For those seeking to know God more deeply and to live in alignment with His character, this book offers both profound insights and practical guidance.