GOD OUR FATHER: HALLOWING AND REVERENCING HIS NAME:
SCRIPTURES: Exodus 20:7 says: “Thou 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.” Leviticus 19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
THOUGHTS: This week we will be considering the Third and Fourth Commandments which involve “not taking the LORD’S name in vain” and “prioritizing time to rest from our labor, learn of Him and worship Him”.
Thinking of reverence for God and reasons why we must reverence Him brings electricity to mind. Electricity is a powerful tool for good in our lives. However, it is only good when we respect, honor and obey it’s laws. To disobey those laws could bring harm, destruction of property and even death.
In the Old Testament, God taught the people the laws for hallowing, reverencing and respecting Him, His Holiness and His Power. Like the example of electricity, to disrespect God or to be casual about our relationship in coming to Him could have devastating and even deadly consequences. We are commanded not to take His name in vain. This means that we should not blaspheme His name in our speech, in using His name to commit evil practices, or in pretending to serve Him but making no effort to do so.
PRAYER: LORD, I repent for missing the mark in the misuse of Your name, for calling Your name in a cavalier way, and for taking Your name while not allowing the power and blessing of Your name to be manifested in my life. I repent for not making the time to listen to You, to learn of You and be changed by that relationship. Create in me a clean heart and a right spirit of obedience to Your Will, Your Word and Your Way. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES: Psalms 50:14-16 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: [15] And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. [16] But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?