A SACRED NAME (EXODUS 20:1-7)

REFLECTION The concept of a name in contemporary society has largely devolved into a matter of aesthetics or legal identification. However, in the biblical narrative, a name is never merely a label; it is a revelation of character, authority, and essence. The theme “A SACRED NAME” compels us to reconsider our relationship with the Divine…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Jan 29, 2026

3–5 minutes

bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

REFLECTION

The concept of a name in contemporary society has largely devolved into a matter of aesthetics or legal identification. However, in the biblical narrative, a name is never merely a label; it is a revelation of character, authority, and essence. The theme “A SACRED NAME” compels us to reconsider our relationship with the Divine through the lens of holiness and intentionality. To define our keywords, “Sacred” refers to that which is set apart from the common or profane, dedicated exclusively to God and deserving of veneration. A “Name,” in this theological context, represents the total presence and reputation of the Creator. The primary lessons derived from this theme are that God’s Name is inseparable from His personhood and that the stewardship of His Name is a foundational requirement for a life of covenant faithfulness.

The weight of this theme is anchored in the opening of the Decalogue. In Exodus 20:1–3, we read: “And God spoke all these words, saying, ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.’” Before the commandment regarding His Name is even uttered, God establishes His credentials as the Deliverer. He is not a nameless force of nature, but a personal God who acts in history. This sets the stage for the specific instruction in Exodus 20:7: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” To take the Name “in vain” encompasses far more than the modern understanding of profanity; it refers to the act of “carrying” the Name to emptiness or using it for falsehood, hypocrisy, or triviality.

To understand the gravity of this lesson, we must look at how the Sacred Name is applied in practical conduct. One takes the Name in vain when they invoke God to validate a lie or to manipulate others for personal gain. This is a direct violation of the integrity that the Name represents. Scripture warns us in Leviticus 19:12: “You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.” Furthermore, we dishonour the Name when our lifestyle contradicts our confession. As believers, we are “Name-bearers” in the world. If we claim the identity of the Lord but live in persistent disobedience, we effectively render His Name “common” in the eyes of the watching world. We must remember that “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). If the tower is treated as a playground or a rubbish heap, its function as a sanctuary is obscured.

In conclusion, the theme of “A SACRED NAME” serves as a vital reminder that our speech and our lives are never neutral. We have seen that the Name of the Lord is the very manifestation of His holy character and that misusing it—whether through careless speech or hypocritical living—is an offence that God does not view lightly. The overarching lesson is that true worship begins with a reclaimed sense of awe for who God is. We are called to a standard of speech that reflects the beauty of the Divine. Therefore, let us commit ourselves to a renewed discipline of the tongue and a consecrated life, ensuring that every mention of His Name is an act of genuine adoration. Let us live in such a way that we can truly say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore!” (Psalm 113:2).

Prayer

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9). Lord, we confess that we have often treated Your Sacred Name with casual indifference. We ask for Your forgiveness for the times we have used Your Name to mask our own pride or spoken it without due reverence. Grant us the grace to treasure Your holiness and to carry Your Name with honour in all our dealings. May our words be seasoned with salt and our lives reflect Your glory, so that others may see our good works and glorify Your Name. “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:1). In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.