Ron Writes
Nike works hard to protect their brand. It’s more than a word. Nike means victory, but they want you to think of shoes. Anyone else using the word “Nike” or the swoosh on shoes better be ready for a lawsuit. Among financial concerns, they are concerned for their reputation, which of course is also a financial concern. People buying products with the Nike logo are expecting a certain level of quality and craftsmanship. Nike wants their brand to mean something. They want the word Nike and the swoosh not only to distinguish them from all other companies, but to tell you about the quality of their company.
God’s name stands for something. It’s more than whether we should use the word YHWH or El Shaddai or Elohim; it’s about what those names represent. It’s about God’s honor. It’s about God’s reputation.
Moses asked to see God’s glory. When we think of glory we typically think of some kind of visual radiance. When God passed by in front of Moses, it wasn’t what Moses saw, but what he heard that is emphasized. God proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin….” (Ex. 34:6-7). God’s glory describes God.
The Psalmists use an interesting phrase, “for the glory of Your name.” This is about God’s reputation. “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; And deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake. Why should the nations say, “Where is their God” (Ps. 97:9-10a)? His name was about God’s reputation. “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory” (Ps. 115:1). God’s name is important because it tells us of His honor. It tells us about God. God’s glory is seen in His name.
In the NT it tells us that God bestowed on Jesus a name which is above every name (Phil. 2:9). The name Jesus represents everything He stands for. We see Jesus’ glory in His name. We are to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The idea of “name” is to baptize by the authority of everything that God stands for.
We are to live in such a way as to bring honor to God’s name. Taking God’s name in vain is more than saying things like “OMG,” but in calling ourselves children of God and bringing shame to His name. Our lives should bring glory to God. It makes God’s name mean something.
