Do not use the name of the Lord in vain
18 June 2021
When I hear how people around me speak, and the way they blaspheme and use the name of the Lord whenever they have nothing else to put into that part of the sentence, it enrages me. I change to another channel or simply switch off what is really for the most part demonically inspired garbage that the media feeds us each day. This message is meant for both Christian believers, and unbelievers. God says this about the use of His Name:
7Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. – Exodus 20:7
What does this mean? Let us put this command in simple English: You will not use the name of the Lord without any proper reason. The person who does this is guilty of sin. Unbelievers will point out that they do not believe in God anyway and therefore His threats of punishment do not apply to them. Imagine when one day you are called to be judged and as an unbeliever will have to confess that He, Jesus Christ, the One whose name you mocked, is Lord of all:
8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:8-11
A name carries much meaning for the bearer of the name:
1A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. – Proverbs 22:1
If your name, and the protection thereof, means so much to you, how much more the name of the Lord! In this lesson we are going to have a look at a few of the names attributed to the God of the Old Testament – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is known by many names, but the ones given below are the most common and we can apply them in our lives. These names also reveal much about the character of God:
Jehovah Shalom, The Lord our Peace
24Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah Shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. – Judges 6:24
Life application: Is He really your peace, or are you finding your peace elsewhere?
Jehovah M'Kaddesh, The Lord our Sanctifier
13Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. – Exodus 31:13
Life application: Are you allowing Him to be your complete sanctification, your total holiness, every day, or just when it suits you?
Jehovah Jireh, The Lord our Provider
13And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.14And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. – Genesis 22:13-14
Life application: Is He really your provider, every day, in all things? When Abraham was ready to kill his son, God provided a substitute. Imagine a father so faithful that he was prepared to kill his son. Does this sound like John 3:16? God provided the Lamb to take on Himself what I deserved, but could not carry.
Jehovah Tsidkenu, The Lord our Righteousness
6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. – Jeremiah 23:6
Life application: Is the Lord alone your righteousness, or are you finding it from another source? Our righteous standing comes only through Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30). Note that it carries significantly more weight when printed in capital letters.
Jehovah Rohi, The Lord our Shepherd
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. – Psalm 23:1
Life application: Refer to the lesson of 11 June 2021: Follow Me, I will lead you. Is He always your shepherd, or do you trust Him to lead you only when you are in trouble?
Jehovah Rapha, The Lord our Healer
26And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. – Exodus 15:26
Life application: Has God healed you in any significant way? Some of us probably cannot attest to physical healing as a result of faith, but know this: He has healed your broken spirit (Psalm 147:3) and healed your body at times you did not even realise it.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples, and enough for this week’s lesson. In the coming week, reflect on how God is your peace, sanctifier, provider, righteousness, shepherd, and healer. Next week we will continue with more names, their meaning, and how you can apply them in your life of prayer and worship.
Listen to true worship that demonstrates the holiness of the Name of the Lord, by Paul Wilbur on:
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