Named

Our church lately has been doing a series on Obedient Living from the book of Exodus. One of the unique things I've heard is that the 10 Commandments ( in Hebrew they're the word just means 10 Words) are set up like a marriage covenant between God and His people. About a year ago I encountered the Lord's Supper having elements of a Hebrew wedding to it as well. It can become a powerful image.

Today, Pastor Cecelia filled in and preached on the 3rd Commandment: not taking God's name in vain. She discussed how we've often looked at this as being not cussing or taking an oath that we don't intend to keep. She pointed out however, that the word (at least in this translation--I haven't had time yet to go through my reference materials to check this out further) "take" is more about us, as believers, bearing witness to God's name. Much like an army uniform denotes that the wearer is enlisted and serves in a certain troop under a certain commander. His behavior is determined by what the officer tells him to do. As believers, we bear Christ's name (Christians). We are not to take than on ourselves in vain. We should live so that others recognize God's name on us and give Him the glory. Even Christ took on Christ's name: Jesus--Yeshua--means "God saves".

Those who lived during biblical times believed names had meaning, and that the one who was named had value as well. What's the meaning behind your name? Do you live it? Mine means "beloved." Sometimes I forget that. God loves me. He loves all His creation--everyone created in His image. And He wants us to bear His name well. Don't take it in vain.