Leviticus 24:15–16 (ESV): 15 And speak to the people of Israel, saying, Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. 16 Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.

Abba,

What’s in a name?

Identity.

Value.

Character.

Integrity.

A name bears a reputation.

A near bears weight.

By a name, you know a little something about the thing or the one bearing the name.

At a name, a myriad of emotions and thoughts can be invoked.

Excitement!

Disgust.

Joy!

Terror!

Indifference, even.

Uncertainty. Hesitation.

Curiosity.

Confidence.

Doubt.

There is so much that a single name can do.

There is so much that a single name can invoke.

And there is no greater name, than yours.

Yours is a name that invokes POWER and AUTHORITY

Yours is a name that invokes RIGHTNESS and HOLINESS

Yours is a name that invokes SAFETY or TERROR

Yours is a name that invokes CONFIDENCE or FEAR.

Yours is the name that is above every name.

Yours is the name that is highest in the land.

Yours is the name that is either loved or abhorred; cherished or rejected.

Yours is the name that IS either refuge or judgment.

Yours is the name that demands respect and worship.

Thus, cursing and blaspheming of that name demands the highest and most costly recompense.

Stoning and death may seem a high cost for disrespecting a name.

Until

One considers the weight of the name; the person of the name; the worth of the one who bears the name.

To curse or blaspheme your name, O God, is high treason. It is defiant rejection of YOUR PERSON. And since you alone are God, creator and sustainer of all things, this is a most grievous rejection.

Abba, may we cherish and honor your name, your being above all!