One magnificent Clause in the 23rd Psalm informs us WHY (or at least one reason why) the Lord so diligently leads us day by day.
“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3
The Hebrew noun used here for “Name” is spelled “shem.” It means “name” in this sense; “reputation, renown, fame.”
In the Old Testament one could not separate “name” and “character.” A person’s name also depicted that person’s life.
So is it with the Lord God!
He guards the Dignity of His Name, expressly so!
To this extent, and rightly so: “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.” Exodus 20:7
A Command so important that it is repeated in Deuteronomy 5:11 … “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.”
Leviticus 19:12 amplifies this fact: “Neither shalt thou profane (desecrate) the name of thy God: I am the LORD.”
Some of the awesome character traits God possesses, that His Name represents … “The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Exodus 34:6, what a Name!
God surely likes it when we study His Name! (His Names actually, for they are many.)
He even commends us for thanking on His Name! “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, AND THAT THOUGHT UPON HIS NAME. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Malachi 3:16-17
Wow!
Books have been written on God and His Names and Titles!
On His Character and Attributes!
The Christian’s proper attitude toward God’s Essence: “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, BLESS HIS HOLY NAME.” David sure got it right here in Psalm 103:1.
A sinner can even be saved (born again) by Trusting JESUS and His Shed BLOOD, or (as Romans 10:13 words it) “calling on the NAME of the Lord!”
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” King James Version
Hour after hour could be invested in pondering the ineffable Name of the Lord!
God protects His Name … and acts on our behalf “for His Name’s Sake” … so let us reverence Him as well.
Let us never disparage His glorious Name!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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