THE VALUE OF A NAME
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” Isaiah 42:8, ESV
Theme: Only His Name is worthy of glory and honor.
CALLED THE WRONG NAME
Nicknames can be endearing, or they can be mean. I have been called both. My brother used to call me “Jen the Hen,” which is sort of funny now that I think about it, but it bothered me then. Hens are plump, maternal creatures that scratch around in the dirt and lay eggs. I think they are cute now, and I love fresh eggs, but at the time I did not prefer to be called a hen. Today, you may have heard someone who is demanding or uptight called a “Karen.” There was nothing of the sort in the original meaning of the name. It originally meant “pure” or “chaste.” I know lovely people named Karen. When a name is used to mean something derogatory, it devalues any holder of that name.
CALLED LORD
Calling anyone or anything “Lord” – God’s Name – is inaccurate. Only God deserves the glory, honor, and praise of being Lord. Yet, in much the same way that we use the name “Karen” to mean something less than it was originally intended, some use the name “Lord” to refer to mortal men, false gods, and idols. Some men of nobility (in the UK and Scotland) are called “Lord.” This has come to mean a powerful person. There are many examples of people desiring God-level worship from the Old Testament (Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar) through present day. Dictionary.com has many definitions of the word (10 listed on 11/18/2024), most referring to powerful men. The eighth and ninth listed definitions refer to God. While “Lord” is a name often misused, God does not sanction such uses. He does not bestow His Name upon any other powerful person, supposed god, or idol. He is jealous for us to use and understand His Name undiluted. Only God will be a true, faithful, loving, omnipotent, and just LORD. Any other lord is less than what the Name implies.
Make It Personal: Consider your own name and names you have been called. Consider the name “Lord” and all that it means. What do you understand about God’s desire to keep His Name pure and undiluted? How might this help you to come to terms with the way God is jealous for His Name to be used properly?
Pray: LORD, thank You for the great sacrifice You have made on my behalf. Only You are worthy to be called by Your Name, LORD. Help me to keep Your Name pure and holy by not elevating lesser things to gods. You are jealous to retain the integrity and honor of the Name above all other names. This is good and true. To You belong the honor and glory alone. Amen.
Read: Ezekiel 39:25, Isaiah 42:1-9
Weekly Memory Verse: “(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),” Exodus 34:14, ESV