Exodus 20:7
Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.
Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”[a]And they divided His garments and cast lots.
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Today at the grocery store I was on the row with a woman who was complaining about the cost of laundry detergent.
My problem with this situation (quite a substantial issue at that), the first words out of her mouth were “Jesus Christ”! I wanted to smack her (Not a “godly” response or “Sunday school answer”, but the truth!) I wanted to say “Do not take the Name of my Savior in vain!” I thought about it, but said nothing!
What are we called to do in these situations? I just looked at her (probably glared knowing me), and walked away.
As I continued shopping, the Lord brought to mind, Jesus’ plea from upon the cross, for those crucifying Him, not knowing what they were doing. She had no idea what she was saying! My anger was there, but the Lord was melting that into compassion for her.
Additionally, our Precious Father showed me, but by the grace of God go I. It is not of my own goodness that I was not the one standing there unaware of my assault on the Name of the Most High, but the work of the Lord and His power and presence in my life.
I still don’t know if being silent was the right thing to do, but I do firmly believe that if I responded hatefully or rudely, identifying myself as a Christian, that very well could have done much more damage. What kind of testimony would that have been? Let’s pray for her tonight as well and for all those who are oblivious to their desperate need for the Savior.
PRAYER
Almighty and Righteous King
Thank You for salvation
We give You praise that Jesus willingly gave His life as payment for our sins
Father, it is so hard to imagine how He could have looked out upon the ones who were putting Him to death and ask You to forgive them
He knew the ignorance, O God
What tremendous, undeserving love He has for us
Father God, when we need to speak up, please give us the words
Whenever it would damage our witness, we likewise ask that You please keep us silent
We intercede for those who do not know You
Please open their minds and minds to You
Only You can draw them to Yourself
You Alone can bring understanding to them
Let them please call upon Jesus
The Name they use so carelessly
Let them realize can bring them life
Your Word tells us in James 1:5, if we ask for wisdom, You will provide liberally, Precious Lord
We need, seek and ask for it now
Please let us not find arrogance in our intellect or abilities
Let us recognize our gifts are all from You and turn any praise we get back to where it belongs, to our Heavenly Father
In the Name of Jesus
Name above all names,
AMEN
Songs:
“How Great Is Our God” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZFN8TBfgNU
“Blessed Be the Name of the Lord”
“Jesus, Name Above All Names”
Credits: Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Scriptures
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Encouragement from family and friends
To the Lord Jesus Christ for giving me ability to put together devotionals, His direction and materials; also for the precious family and friends to share this with each day
