Our Father
Our Father, in heaven, hallowed be your Name…
To know someone by name is an intimate thing. Not just to know their name, but know them by their name.
For example, this is Channing Tatum:
Most of us know his name. But I know absolutely nothing about the real Channing. (Oooooh, I’ve never called him by his first name before, it’s always been Channing Tatum.) What does he like to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon? What is he allergic to? What makes him laugh? I only know his name.
Jesus tells us that God is our Father. And all throughout the Bible, we are introduced to the many names of God. Names were so important to the Israelites. They kept records of long lineages. They honored names. They honored God’s name.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7 NKJV
The CEB translates it like this:
Do not use the Lord your God’s name as if it were of no significance; the Lord won’t forgive anyone who uses his name that way.
God’s name is so significant. He’s not just God. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is Jehovah . He is El Elohim - my God my Creator. El Shaddai - LORD God Almighty. El Shalom, the God who is peace. LORD of Lords. The LORD my banner. The LORD my shepherd. My Provider, Healer, my Redeemer, my Rock, and my friend.
We live in a culture where OMG is flung around and used on everything from t-shirts to coffee mugs. We mutter, “Jesus” under our breaths when we are stuck in traffic. I stub my toe and the very first thing that comes out of my mouth is God’s name. Why???????? Why would I choose that Name Above All Names to use as a curse? The very name that I used to speak to Him this morning in prayer.
Think about it.
What names do you know Him by?
Have a cup of something hot and write them in your journal. Google them. Ponder over them. Put on some worship music and get lost calling out the Name that most resonates with you.
Oh, Praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!
Carolyn
