Exodus 20:7
What’s in a Name?
As I prepared this series, I realized how little we actually preach or teach on the Ten Commandments as if they are neither important nor relevant. They are both. It was very enlightening to me to preach through them. I learned a lot! I trust this series will encourage you to also preach through the Ten Commandments!
Introduction
MOSCOW, February 18 (RIA Novosti) - Moscow authorities have refused to issue a birth certificate to a six-year-old boy, whose parents named him BOCh RVF 26062002, a records chief told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Registration officials refused to register the boy’s name, which translates into a Russian acronym for Biological Human Object of the Voronin-Frolov Genus (DoB) June 6, 2002, to "protect the boy’s own interests." The parents have insisted on registering the name.
"This case has been reviewed by several judicial agencies; however, the parents have been denied the right to register the child with that name," Tatyana Ushakova said. "This was done to protect the interests of the boy. His parents need to think about the boy and how he can live with a name like that and not think about their own ambitions."
Ushakova said that there is no legislation in Russia against giving children odd names. She also said that the parents referred their case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg; however, the complaint was turned down.
In 2008, a number of other odd names were registered in Russia, including the English equivalent of North, Dolphin, Wind, and Moon. However, in 2005 the names Leaf Salad, Aviation Dispatcher, Russia, Privatization, Cool, Viagra and Simply a Hero were registered.
However, the Russian names are somewhat tame compared to New Zealand, where last year a family court judge made a nine-year-old girl a ward of the court in order to change her name from Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii.
The judge Rob Murfitt said at the time, "The court is profoundly concerned about the very poor judgment which this child’s parents have shown in choosing this name. It makes a fool of the child and sets her up with a social disability and handicap, unnecessarily."
Murfitt gave a list of names that registrars had refused to register, including Sex Fruit, Keenan Got Lucy and Fish and Chips. However the names Number 16 Bus Shelter and Violence somehow got through."
Have you ever wondered what the importance of a name is? Well, wonder no more! God’s name is important to Him! It defines and describes His character. It is so important that it is described for us so concisely and succinctly in this passage.
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain”
A Clear Command 7a
We have this from the Word of God! We are not to treat His name in a flippant or disrespectful way.
First, the Problems we face…
In Profanity
Using God’s Name as an adverb is a no-no! Many use Jesus Christ as an expletive. Others may use OMG, G-D this or that which reveals an emptiness of the soul or a vain mind.
It is true what warren Wiersbe and Adrian Rogers had to say regarding profanity:
Warren Wiersbe quote – “what’s down the well comes up in the bucket”
Adrian Rogers quote – “using profanity reveals an empty head and a wicked heart”
In Hypocrisy
Living diametrically opposed to God’s Word yet claiming to be a Christian…unthinkable!
People are two-faced, wearing a mask or façade when using God’s holy name in a light manner. Using His name thoughtlessly or casually is hypocritical as a “professing” Christian.
In Dishonesty
To make a promise or vow to God or others and not keep it is disrespectful to God.
In Carelessness
We should not disregard, dismiss, despise that holy Name!
‘Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4.12
Neither should we use His name in prayers which are both selfish and repetitious in nature. Using it as a formula (Abracadabra) is sinful.
Contributing something to God that He did not tell you (i.e. God told me to divorce my wife, buy that house I can’t afford) is sinning against God and His holy name!
Illustration
In their fascinating book, Freakonomics, economists Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner point out that one of the first acts of parental power comes in the naming of a child. Many believe the name carries great significance. The case of the Lane brothers may argue differently.
Back in 1958, a baby boy was born into the Lane family. Robert—the father—chose to name the boy Winner. How could the young man fail to succeed with a name like Winner Lane?
The Lanes had another son several years later. For unknown reasons, Robert named this baby Loser. How tragic to doom this boy's future prospects with such a name.
Contrary to all expectations, Loser Lane succeeded. He graduated from college and later became a sergeant with the New York Police Department. Nowadays, no one feels comfortable calling him Loser. His police colleagues refer to him as Lou.
And what of the brother with the "can't miss" name? The most noteworthy achievement of Winner Lane, now in his mid 40s, is the sheer length of his criminal record—nearly three dozen arrests for burglary, domestic violence, trespassing, resisting arrest, and other mayhem.
Second, the Privilege we carry
It is a high privilege to bear the name of Jesus Christ! We should never be ashamed of the One who died for us that we might live for Him!
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2.9-11
Notice the significance of His name. it reveals His excellent character, unsearchable holiness, immeasurable grace, incomprehensible majesty and undeniable authority. He is the One we worship!
Illustration
A small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness to the stand in a trial -- a grand-motherly, elderly woman. He approached her and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know me?" She responded, "Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams. I’ve known you since you were a young boy. And frankly, you’ve been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you’re a rising big shot when you haven’t the brains to realize you will never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you." The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, "Mrs. Williams, do you know the defense attorney?" She replied, "Why, yes I do. I’ve known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. I used to baby-sit him for his parents. And he, too, has been a real disappointment to me. He’s lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. The man can’t build a normal relationship with anyone, and his law practice is one of the shoddiest in the entire state. Yes, I know him." At this point, the judge rapped the courtroom to silence and called both counselors to the bench. In a very quiet voice, he said with menace, "If either of you asks her if she knows me, you’ll be jailed for contempt!"
And third, the Priorities we have.
Our priorities obligate us to know who He is, be obedient to Him and enjoy the intimacy we share!
Revelation of Who He is - knowing Jesus
Relationship – intimacy with Him
Reverence – worshipping in obedience
“For the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”
“Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will punish anyone who misuses His name.” Holman Christian Standard Bible
“No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won’t put up with the irreverent use of his name.” The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language
But there is also a Certain Consequence 7b
Scripture tells us it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. There is a suspenseful and foreboding expectation of judgment for those who have forsaken or denied Him.
Notice what the scripture says, “For the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”
We see there will be No Acceptance
God will not hear or accept your pleas! He has made it known to you very clearly!
There will also be No Mercy
God does not spare those who reject Him. Dishonoring and disrespecting His name is equivalent to profaning Him.
And finally, there will be No Escape
God will not allow any who have profaned Him escape. There will be no remnant.
As you consider today’s message, evaluate and review your life. Have you profaned God’s holy name? Have you played games with Him by being flippant in your relationship with Him? If so, repent! God desires holiness in you. Sanctify yourself in His presence!
