Exodus 20:7 "In vain"



Today's message was inspired by my good friend and author, Erik Petersen.

Exodus 20:7
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

I used to think that this was merely an admonition against using God's name as a swear word, which seems to be in vogue these days. However, I was prompted to look at it in a quite different fashion a couple of years ago.

http://www.faithcycleministry.org/sites/default/files/a-wedding-ring-on-the-wedding-vows-book.jpgFirstly, let's look at the 'usual' thing that happens when you marry; One of you, usually the woman, changes their last name to match their new spouses. I know some don't and some hyphenate, but I'm generalising. This is referred to as taking the other's name.

When you marry, you don't marry just a person; You marry a family with it's own culture, beliefs, routines and rituals.

And how, you may ask, does this apply to Exodus 20:7? The Church (Capital 'C') is called the Bride of Christ and He waits like a groom to return and be joined to His bride. When you become a Christian, you take the name of Christ(ian). With that you marry into a family with it's own culture, beliefs, routines and rituals. You are wed to Christ.

https://thechristianpundit.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/img_4616.jpgSo when we are told not to take the Lord's name in vain, I have come to believe it means that the decision to be a Christian, to allow Jesus to come into your life is not a decision to be taken lightly. God wants you to take His name, but He wants you to do it sincerely, with an open heart
 and the knowledge of what it is you are doing.

I still don't think it's a good idea to use the name of God as a swear word though :)

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