Reading this week’s Torah portion, Shemot (Ex1:1-6:1), I got stuck at Ex 3:14 where Father introduced Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM”. Pondering on the weight of these 5 English words and His Greatness, a message about His Name, has really been talking to me from different corners and sources. Everywhere I turned it seemed to be echoing. Although it is directed at me, it might stir up introspection in you.
In last week’s message we heard about an incident on 8 October 2023. Tiaan’s sister-in-law received a message from a lady with “a prophetic word from God” stating that they should get out of Israel as soon as possible because the airport is going to get bombed in 2 days and no one will be able to get out of the land. Looking back at the events, she clearly used God’s Name for something that was not a message from God. Nearly 3 months later the airport is still standing and operating.
In today’s message, titled From blindness to Glory , there was referred to the same principle. Johan said: “Sin is an attitude or an action that belittles the glory of God.”
We as representatives of God, cannot use His Name to make our Words sound more serious, our emotional actions or reactions not only acceptable, but to make it spiritual in the eyes of others. God’s name is not sprinkles to make our own baked cupcake more religiously weighty, more attractive for people to buy into.
We can so easily, out of an attitude of pride and arrogance lead others to follow our thinking, judge others, look down on others even exploit others for our own benefit. The problem is that we think that we put more weight to our words and actions by linking God’s Name to it. By adding ‘God said’ to our words and actions, it is no longer insight or a testimony , it becomes a “commandment”, words directly from the throne of the King of Glory.
Adding His name to our Words or actions, might add more weight in the eyes of some of the people around us, BUT it is not to His Glory. It only adds fuel to our religious pride. Our earthly following might grow, but we must remember that we will be kept responsible for our Words.
We are not only going to be judged for our deeds, but also for our words and even our thoughts.
How do we, as image bearers represent God to others? Could it be in our own image? This will, in the long run, push more people away from our Creator. But even more, sin causes separation between us and our Creator. And adding His name for your own benefit or glory, to get your message out, is sin. This will cause you to drift further and further away from Him. This is using His Name and image to polish our own image and using His Name in vain.
We must be careful not to justify our own thoughts and actions by using the Name of God. If we realize that it is not only sinful to link His Name to our actions, words, interpretations, and fears, but it is dangerous for it can lead others in our ways and thoughts and not in His.
I want to ask you: when did you last hear Fathers voice clearly. Without doubt that it might have been your own thoughts. Not the comforting voice of the Holy Spirit, guiding you in paths of righteousness. Not your conscience, guiding you to walk with integrity. You might have been led to some insight or conclusion, but was it His voice?
May our actions, words and deeds all be to the Glory of the King!
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