September 7, 2022 – Martin Luther, The Funny Shape of Faith

“To discuss it briefly, misuse of the divine name occurs most obviously in worldly business and in matters involving money, property, and honor, whether publicly in court or in the market …” Martin Luther

“It’s not hard to spot an improper use of God’s name. We can find plenty of examples in the media. Come to think of it, maybe we don’t need to look any further than ourselves. It’s harder to spot a proper use of God’s name. For this, we need to look at places where people are praising, thanking, teaching, serving, and praying in God’s name.” (Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Locations 268-269). Kindle Edition.)

Oh Jeez!

It was a problem in Luther’s time, it is a problem in our society: the lack of respect and misuse of G-d’s name. If you are not aware, the reason I hyphenate “G-d” is my own personal attempt to respect the name of G-d. It is a personal devotion that I have adopted which I do not expect anyone else to do. It just helps me remember the holiness of G-d’s name and presence. In the Old Testament, they would abbreviate G-d’s name as YHWH. They respected G-d’s name so much they would not write it out — let alone speak it.

It is too easy to disrespect the Lord’s name in our society because the Lord has so little respect to begin with. Too many people think this “bible stuff” is all make-believe. They would rather believe in pure science than a higher power.

As people of G-d we need to continue to praise G-d’s name and respect G-d’s name. If we are good examples, perhaps others will come to respect the name of G-d as well.

Let us pray,

Lord G-d, Lamb of G-d, you take away the sins of the world. I’m so glad to be on a first-name basis with you. Thanks for introducing yourself to me every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave