byWhen you speak of a bank, the first thing that comes to the mind of many is financial services and money. Others may direct their minds to riverbanks, blood banks, or a food bank. But have you heard of a help bank? As with the financial facilities, most of these banks either require you to provide something before they lend or require you to repay what they lend you later. Even food banks require human intervention for others to benefit. One way or another, we are responsible for the operation of these banks. Well, except the help bank. “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8). Come with me as I talk about the name of the Lord, a help bank that needs no human intervention.
The help bank concept
This concept is born from Psalm 124:8. When you look at verses 2–6 of Psalm 124, you can tell that the psalmist was thanking God for saving him from two distinct threats: men (who come after our bodies here on earth, to destroy us) and the fowler’s snare (that seeks to ensnare our souls). Why was he thanking God? Because God saved him from every threat that men posed. Wicked men strive hard to prevent your success in the workplace. Some seek the downfall of many people. Any evil thing that a man can do to you, God has the solution for it. Again, he thanked God for His help against the fowler’s snare. That has to do with the devil’s schemes, his plans against you, some sicknesses, financial losses, all in the name of making you doubt God and your salvation. God has help for that too.
The help bank, like other forms of banks, is a storehouse. However, unlike the other banks, this one is spiritual; it is infinite, and you do not need to contribute to it or repay it later. This bank provides the believer with help. No strings attached, just straightforward help. If you get sick and you call on the name of the Lord, you receive assistance in that regard, “by His stripes, we are healed” (1 Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53:5). If people are harassed devils, in this name, you “shall cast out devils” from them (Mark 16:17). In times of financial difficulties, if you call on the name, He will provide with assistance, even if it means recovering a coin from the mouth of a fish (Matthew 17:27). The name of the Lord is the help bank.
The Name of the Lord
In biblical and many ancient cultures, names often revealed a person’s character. For instance, the name Jacob means “To seize by the heel,” “to supplant,” or “to circumvent”. All of these were seen in his life. He was holding on to the heel of Esau at birth, taking Esau’s birthright and when he stole his blessing.
Names also often revealed divine purpose, or a place’s history. A person’s name is a fundamental part of their identity. That is why God influenced these names in the past, and He continues to do so. Names are very significant and powerful (e.g., Isaiah 7:14’s Immanuel). However, the power in a name isn’t inherent; it resides in God’s assignment. When it comes to the name of the Lord, there are many names, each having its own significance. YHWH (Yahweh) is combined with other names to refer to a specific attribute of God. Yahweh Jireh, for instance, means “The Lord who sees [and provides]” or “The Lord will provide” (as used in Genesis 22:14). Some others include Nissi (The Lord is my Banner), Yahweh Gibbor (“The Lord, the Mighty Warrior), and so many more.
Now the question is, which one of these names is “The Name”? Well, it is none of them but all of them summed up in a person, Jesus Christ. There is no special name but a special person at the mention of whose name “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10).
This is why someone would call unto Yahweh and He will answer, another calls to Jesus, Yesu, 耶稣, Jésù, Jisus, and He will answer to all of them. Because they know exactly who He is, and they call to Him in different languages. That doesn’t mean the African Traditionalist who pours libations and mentions names is referring to Jesus, nor is the guy who is praying to the universe. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life; all other means to reach God are actually lies. How did the psalmist in Psalm 124 get this help from the help bank? We will focus on that subsequently.
Calling on the name
As human as we are, we all have problems from time to time. We try to find solutions one way or another. Some ask their dependents, guardians, and even AI. The Christian, although they have access to those “solutions”, makes the name of the Lord their first and last point of contact when they are in trouble. There is no cap on the troubles which you can bring before God.
Calling on the name can be done in so many ways, first, through prayer. We communicate with God through prayer. Here, we can call on the name by talking to the Father, making our requests known to Him. Second, we can actually speak to circumstances in the capacity of the name. That is what Peter and John did in Acts 3:6-16, when they commanded the lame man to walk in the name of Jesus. Faith is crucial in calling the name of the Lord. If you do not believe, you will not receive anything. There is nothing difficult for God to do; through Him was the world created (see Hebrews 11:3, Colossians 1:16).
Conclusion
The “Name of the LORD” goes beyond a mere word; it embodies the very essence and power of Jesus Christ, our ultimate help bank. Unlike earthly banks that demand deposits or repayment, this divine resource is infinite, spiritual, and freely accessible through faith. Whether facing physical ailments, spiritual attacks, or financial setbacks, believers can confidently call upon this name through prayer and spoken declarations. It’s a profound truth: when we activate our faith and invoke the name, the limitless power of God is unleashed, demonstrating that absolutely nothing is impossible for Him. In essence, any kind of help you are looking for is in Christ. He is a help bank. Spend time knowing Him.
