Rhapsody of Realities 20 April 2025: Reverent Use of His Name

Scripture:  Exodus 20:7 MSG No using the name of GOD, your God, in curses or silly banter; GOD won’t put up with the irreverant use of his name.

In the Old Testament, the Jews were instructed not to take the name of the Lord in vain. For example, Exodus 20:7 says, “…the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” The Jews understood the greatness of God’s Name to such an extent that they avoided pronouncing it altogether. Instead, they substituted it with “Adonai.”

When scribes copying the Scriptures encountered the Name, they would pause, go wash themselves, and then proceed to write it. If the Name appeared multiple times, they would repeat the process for each instance. This level of reverence came from an awareness of God’s greatness and majesty and the awe-inspiring deeds He wrought amongst their forefathers.

Contrast this with how casually many Christians use His Name today. People shout His Name while cutting a cake or use it as an exclamation in everyday speech without understanding its power or significance. This casual attitude toward the Name of Jesus reveals a deeper issue: a lack of knowledge of who He truly is.

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He said, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22). The Samaritans, being a mixed race with a history of idolatry, lacked a proper understanding of worship and reverence. Sadly, this lack of understanding persists today. You must understand and live in the reality of the Lordship of Jesus. He’s not just great; He is greatness. Have this understanding when you worship Him. Address Him
correctly.

After His resurrection, no one ever directly addressed Him simply as “Jesus.” He was addressed as Lord, Lord Jesus, because His resurrection exalted Him to the place of supreme authority. When speaking about Him, we may say “Jesus,” but when addressing Him, we must honour Him as Lord: “…who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:15-16).

Read Yesterday’s Rhapsody of Realities Here

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, I honour and reverence your holy Name, for you’re the Undisputed Ruler, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, and lives in unapproachable light. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege to know you and walk in the light of your Word. Your Name is exalted above all, and I recognize you as Lord of all. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 2:9-11

⁹ Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,

¹⁰ That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

¹¹ And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Acts 2:36

³⁶ Therefore let the whole house of Israel recognize beyond all doubt and acknowledge assuredly that God has made Him both Lord and Christ (the Messiah)—this Jesus Whom you crucified.

Colossians 1:15-18

¹⁵ [Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation.

¹⁶ For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.

¹⁷ And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together).

¹⁸ He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent].

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:  Luke 18:15-43 & 1 Samuel 11-13

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 4:1-12 & Leviticus 20

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Rhapsody of Realities 20 April 2025

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