April 18, 2012 - Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
Daily Lectionary: Exodus 24:1-18; Luke 5:1-16
"God' s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity." (Explanation to the First Petition, Small Catechism).
The name of God is indeed holy for He is holy. There is nothing that any person can do to change the holiness of God' s name. No one can add to God' s name in any manner which would make it any holier. In sin, however, we can and do use God' s name in careless and unholy ways.
Almost every person, usually in their more formative years, but even as older persons, has probably said something like, "I swear on a stack of bibles that … is true." Of course, in many of those instances we have likely been lying. We have used God' s name to testify to an unholy thing.
More often, we likely use God' s name in many other unholy ways. His name finds its way into our conversations and speech, not as it is called upon in prayer and thanksgiving, but rather to curse and swear, to condemn others, to note our shock or dismay, and in many and various other careless ways. When we do so we sin. God' s name becomes unholy in our midst.
God' s name is kept holy when His Word is taught in truth and purity. God' s Holy Word is clear we have sinned and deserve death and punishment. God' s Holy Word is also clear that Christ has been punished for our sin, and He has forgiven us. The truth and purity of God' s Word is that God' s Holy Name has been placed upon you in your baptism. He has marked you as His child; you bear His name. By His Holy Name He has made you holy.
Holy God, we praise Thy name; Lord of all, we bow before Thee. All on earth Thy scepter claim, All in heav' n above adore Thee. Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy reign. (LSB 940:1)
Questions or comments regarding the Reflections may be sent to the Rev. Mark Buetow, Reflections Editor, reflections@higherthings.org.
Help keep the Higher Things Daily Reflections FREE!
Consider making a donation to support this service:
Consider making a donation to support this service:
Visit our website at www.higherthings.org to read Reflections online each day. Or sign up to receive daily Reflections in your e-mail Inbox by sending subscribing at: http://higherthings.org/reflections.html
Higher Things exists and grows on the basis of donations and free-will offerings from congregations and individuals. All donations are tax-deductible. If you wish to contribute to the work of Higher Things, Please send your donation to:
Higher Things, Inc.
P.O. Box 155
Holt, MO 64048
(Donations are also accepted at www.higherthings.org via credit card or PayPal on our support page.)
