Name Above All Names
“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”.1
Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him [Jesus] the name that is
above every name.2
What is God’s name? A beloved chorus
comes to mind. “Jesus, Name above all
names, Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord, Emmanuel—God is with us, Blessed
Redeemer, Living Word”3 We know Him by so many other names
too—Christ, Jehovah, Messiah, Counselor, Comforter, Heavenly Father. Whatever
the name might be that you use to call upon the King of kings, it is a most
Holy name and worthy of our utmost honor and respect.
In Hispanic culture it is common to hear
the name Dios-ito when referring to
our Almighty God, as a term of endearment. The term -ito minimizes a word making it small or lesser. “Dios-ito” (or small God) will take care of
you”. “May “Dios-ito” bless you”. I don't know about you, but the God who
cares for me is great and mighty! There is nothing -ito or small about my God!
What a privilege and responsibility we
have as Christians! The name “Christian” means follower of Christ. We literally bear the name of Christ! Does
our life, our testimony, give honor to His greatness? We have the privilege of
speaking His great name when we come to Him in prayer and when we exalt Him in
worship. However, we also have the responsibility of proclaiming God’s name so
that the whole world can come to know the Giver of Salvation through Jesus. Do
people hear the Good News when we utter God’s name? Or do they hear God’s name
being minimized, or in the form of a curse?
The third commandment is very clear as to
the way in which God’s name should never be used, and that is in vain—in a
careless or thoughtless manner. If we are not saying God’s name in a way that
will bring Him the honor he is worthy of, then we are misusing the Name above
all names. My GOD is an Awesome GOD! And one day, every knee will bow at the
name of JESUS because His name is above all other names!
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,
forgive me if I have used your name in a way that does not bring honor to you.
YOU alone are worthy of all my praise and your name is to be exalted above all.
May the uttering of your name from my mouth bring you only glory. In Jesus’
most precious name, Amen.
1. Exodus 20:7 (ESV).
2. Philippians 2:9 (NIV).
3. “Jesus, Name Above All Names”
by Maranatha! Music.
Today’s
Encounter was written by: Veronica B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.