Hello Everyone,
The most common name used for God in the Hebrew scriptures is Yahweh (YHWH). It is translated in Exodus 3:14 as “I AM”. It is the word translated “Lord” throughout the King James Version of the Bible. We all know it well. We traditionally replace “Lord” with “the Eternal” when reading scripture in sermons.
About 20 years ago, in a conversation with a Bible translator concerning the Hebrew word YHWH, I mentioned that we used “the Eternal” when reading. He pondered and replied that it was a good replacement, however, a misnomer – not a fully accurate name. I asked why and he replied that many schools of translation agreed that the word is best encapsulated as “Timeless”. “The Eternal” gives an impression that God exists in time as we know it, whereas “Timeless” tells us that He does not exist in time. He created it.
This is not an earth-shattering revelation. However, it serves to open our understanding of who God is. When we think of eternity we think in terms of time, yet our God does not. Our Father and His Son Jesus Christ never had a beginning. They have always existed together. (John 1:1-2)
According to the Dictionary of Biblical Languages (DBL), the timelessness of our God includes not only Their presence (existence) but also Their relationship. One of the timeless attributes of Our Father and Christ is Their relationship. It makes sense. If they were together forever, they have had a relationship forever – a timeless relationship.
This should speak volumes to us, brethren. Our Father and Christ have not allowed one thing to ever come between them. It was, is, and will be (YHWH) perfect and timeless. Also, when Our Father and Christ ordained and purposed our creation (mankind), They ordained a timeless relationship with us and provided everything necessary for it to be accomplished.
Do we look at our relationships with the Father and Christ as timeless? Yes, for us it had a beginning but it has the potential to be as timeless as YHWH. Also, importantly, do we view our brotherly relationships as “timeless” – as YHWH? Do we value our relationships in the same manner as the Father and Christ view Theirs?
God has called a people to become one with Him, His Son and each other.
John 17:21–23 (NKJV) 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
The Father, the Son, and His Family are in a timeless relationship.
Before Passover, one aspect of our self-examination should focus on all our relationships in which someone might have something against us, or where someone offends us. We are to reconcile our troubled relationships as much as is possible. We should go to the other party with a spirit of humility and a forgiving heart and make the effort.
Matthew 5:23–24 (NKJV) 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Colossians 3:12–13 (NKJV) 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
We must value what Christ is saying to us and understand how important it is to the Father and to Him. We need to remember that Our Father provided His Son’s death as an acceptable sacrifice which opened for all mankind the opportunity to be reconciled to their Creator and to live “timelessly” with Him and each other in peace. We are to learn the art and heart of reconciliation of disputes now and become one with each other as They are One. This is what Yahweh had in mind when the plan to create the Family of God was set in motion.
Bill Hutchison
