Posts Tagged ‘Psalm 24:1’

The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,  for He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Psalm 24:1-2

“Lord is not a nickname for Jesus. It means King.”

This is a quote from a movie called “Ring the Bell.” It’s a “Christian” movie (in other words, it is written and produced by Christians) that we watched on DVD.

These words really struck me. I hadn’t thought about “Lord” being a nickname for Jesus but that is how we sometimes treat it. The fact is that it is a title that describes His position over His people. He is the King over us, the Lord of our lives.

Many Christians claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, but refuse to take His commandments seriously. He says, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). The fourth command says, “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.”

We often hear people take the Lord’s name in vain, sadly, some of them claim to be Christians. If we take sin as seriously as God does then we will take His commands seriously. He says He is sure to do something with the one who continues to use His name in vain.  He will hold them accountable for that sin. Is using the word “Lord” as a nickname taking His name in vain?

In the Old Testament we often see LORD written this way, all capital letters. It is the translation used for God’s name, Yahweh, which was the Name for God revealed to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:13-15). The Jews considered this name so holy that they never said it out loud for fear of being guilty of taking it in vain.

I often think that because Jesus’ name is so offensive to many people in our culture that Christians choose to replace His Name with “Lord” in order to strike a softer blow. I am not sure many realize they are calling Him “King” when doing that. Just for the record, He is the King, and not just of Christians. The world is His and all that is in it. Revelation says that He is the Lord of lords and the King of Kings. In other words it really doesn’t matter what your position or title is here on earth, He is higher. He is the authority over every lord and king.

Though this suggestion that we use “Lord” as a nickname was a surprise to me, I could also hear the truth in it. I know it’s time for me to sit up and pay attention to when I use it. Am I calling Him King or am I avoiding the use of “Jesus” so I won’t offend anyone?

I am glad I saw the movie, though it was strictly average, because God has used it to attract my attention to the way I use His name. In my heart I never want to use His name in vain.  In Matthew 1 Joseph was told to call Mary’s baby “Jesus, for he will save His people from their sins.” I am thinking that unless we intentionally mean to call Jesus our King, we had better stick to using the name He was given by God and call Him Jesus. He offended plenty of people in his day. When we use His name we will offend many people in our day – but we won’t offend Him. Who is more important?