Continuing thoughts from my message yesterday at NRN

Continuing thoughts from my message yesterday at NRN:

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.  Exodus 20:7 

What’s in a name? Did you ever ask your parents why they called you what they did? My first name is my father’s middle name. It is a rather usual name. Richard.  That name is now also the middle name of my first born grandson. (Jordan Richard Bolder). 

The name Richard derives from German, French, and English "ric" (ruler, leader, king) and "hard" (strong, brave), and it therefore means "powerful leader".  The Normans introduced this name to Britain, and it has been very common there since that time. It was borne by three kings of England including Richard I the Lionheart, leader of the Third Crusade in the 12th century. Famous bearers include two German opera composers, Richard Wagner (1813-1883) and Richard Strauss (1864-1949), as well as British explorer Sir Richard Burton (1821-1890) and American musician Little Richard (1932-).  I am honored to carry on this name.

What do you think of when you hear the name Benedict Arnold? Does traitor come to mind?   What about Mother Teresa? Do you think humility? Martin Luther King? Does equality for all fit? George Washington? Abraham Lincoln? Billy Graham? What is in a name? A name has meaning, and we apply worth to a person many times based on a name.

God? What do you think of when you hear that name? Jesus? Holy Spirit? I am not even going to insult you by suggesting that you would ever think of using God’s name in a dirty joke or an expletive phrase. If you are a follower of Christ, you surely have more respect for Him than that. But, what importance do you give to His name?

Do you revere His name? Does it bother you for others to insult Him? Are you getting to know more about Him each day? Do you tremble at His word and the realization that the name that is above every name took the time to care for you? If I said the name JESUS would it light a smile on your face?

Are you starting to understand that His name is to be revered, respected, honored, loved and obeyed? When God gave the third commandment, He knew people would hit a hand with a hammer or watch their team win the Super Bowl and express their dissatisfaction by yelling, God _______. I believe God’s heart hurts at their lack of respect, but God is just as concerned about you and me, the so-called faithful Christian. Are we ascribing to His name the honor it is due?

He is God! He is the designer, creator, sustainer, and planner of the universe! He is greater than all we can ever hope and imagine. He is worthy. Let’s grant His NAME, His powerful, wonderful, ever-lasting name, the proper place in our hearts and minds!