No using the Name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won't put up with the irreverant use of His Name. Exodus 20:7 MSG

Your school principal walks into the classroom. Nobody calls him by his first name; instead, everyone respectfully says, “Good morning, sir” or “Good morning, principal.” Why? Because his position commands honor. Now think about the Lord Jesus. After His resurrection, He wasn’t just “Jesus” anymore. He became Lord Jesus Christ, exalted above all, seated at the right hand of the Father with supreme authority.

In the Old Testament, the Jews were instructed not to take the name of the Lord in vain. For example, Exodus 20:7 says, “...the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” The Jews understood the greatness of God’s Name to such an extent that they avoided pronouncing it altogether. Instead, they substituted it with “Adonai.” When scribes, copying the Scriptures, encountered the Name,
they would pause, go wash themselves, and then proceed to write it. If the Name appeared multiple times, they would repeat the process for each instance.

This level of reverence came from an awareness of God’s greatness and majesty and the awe-inspiring deeds He wrought amongst their forefathers. Contrast this with how casually many Christians use His Name today. People shout His Name while cutting a cake or use it as an exclamation in everyday speech without understanding its power or significance. This casual attitude toward the Name of Jesus reveals a deeper issue: a lack of knowledge of who He truly is. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He said, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22).

The Samaritans, being a mixed race with a history of idolatry, lacked a proper understanding of worship and reverence. Sadly, this lack of understanding persists today. You must understand and live in the reality of the Lordship of Jesus. He’s not just great; He is greatness. Have this understanding when you worship Him. Address Him correctly. After His resurrection, no one ever directly addressed Him simply as “Jesus.” He was addressed as Lord, Lord Jesus, because His resurrection exalted Him to the place of supreme authority. When speaking about Him, we may say “Jesus,” but when addressing Him, we must honour Him as Lord.

Go Deeper
Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 2:36; Colossians 1:15-18

Pray
Dear Lord Jesus, I honour and reverence your holy Name, for you’re the Undisputed Ruler, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who alone has immortality and lives in unapproachable light. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege to know you and walk in the light of your Word. Your Name is exalted above all, and I recognize you as Lord of all. Amen.

ONE YEAR
Matthew 23 & Exodus 24-25

TWO YEAR
Matthew 12:1-9; Genesis 33

Act
Recognize His supremacy. The Name of Jesus is not an exclamation; it’s the authority of heaven. Speak His Name purposefully; use His Name to command healing, victory, and answers not as casual slang.