file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940913.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                       Tuesday, September 13, 1994
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READ: Exodus 20:1-7



                          "RESPECT GOD'S NAME"

                 "You shall not take the name of the Lord 
                            your God in vain."

                               Exodus 20:7

The third commandment was taken so seriously by Israel that at one 
time the scribes wouldn't even write the name "Yahweh" (Jehovah) 
until they had first taken a bath and changed their clothes. Then 
after they had written it, they would take another bath and change 
their clothes again.

Their focus on the word itself, however, often over- looked the 
broader implications of the commandment. J. I. Packer says, "What 
is forbidden is any use or involvement of God's name that is 
empty, frivolous, or insincere." This includes any irreverence, 
for it fails to take seriously God's character and reputation, 
which is represented by His name. Nor are we to use the name "God" 
or "Jesus Christ" as profanity, because this expresses neither 
praise, worship, nor faith.

The commandment also relates to breaking a promise when God's name 
is used to back one's word. But even when no reference is made to 
God, every promise we make to another is done in God's presence 
and is therefore as binding as if we had invoked His name. 

How the third commandment condemns us all! But thank God for the 
name "Jesus," which means Savior. He provides the forgiveness and 
help we need to keep the third commandment and become men and 
women known for being true to their word.

- Dennis J. DeHaan

*In what ways do I hear people misusing God's name? *How am I 
guilty of breaking this command? 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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If you care about God, handle His name with care. 

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezekiel 8-11

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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible 
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