In one mall there is a fun play section for teenagers. They can play games like cricket, Tennis. It is designed for a player to play with sports celebrities. The virtual video of the celebrity hitting the ball comes on the screen, as a ball reaches the player. Teenagers get an illusion that they played with ‘god of cricket’ or ‘god of tennis.’ The celebrities are unaware that their videos, names and reputation is used to promote entertainment business in the malls. The celebrities’ names are taken by few for their own benefit or advantage. God warned humanity in the Ten Commandments: “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.” (Exodus 20:7)
God gave it? Jacob feigned he was Esau and took savoury meat to Isaac, who was surprised and asked how it was so quick? Jacob answered: “Because the Lord your God granted me success.” Instead of stating Rebekah gave it, he told God gave him success. (Genesis 27: 20) Jacob used God’s name to cover his sin of deception.
Casting out demons? The sons of Sceva, High Priest in Ephesus tried to cast out demons using the Name of Lord Jesus Christ, that Paul preached. The evil spirits took the seven sons and beat them and they had to flee. (Acts 19:11-20) The team of seven were badly bruised as they took the Name of the Lord in vain.
Lord sent me? Adamant commander Rabshakeh representing Sennacherib said: The Lord said to me, “Go up against this land and destroy it.” When they invaded Jerusalem. (II Kings 18:25) Lord punished them: “And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.” (II Kings 20:35)
Know you not: Many who use Lord’s name in vain will be rejected forever. (Matthew 7:22)
Do I honour the Holy name of the Lord?