“Those who know Your name trust in You” – Psalm 9:10
READ
Exodus 34
REFLECT
What happens when we sign a contract? Contracts mean commitment. Borrowers commit to lenders. Athletes commit to schools. Employees commit to employers. God uses a different word for commitment. He speaks of making a “covenant” with His followers.
The closest expression of covenant in human interactions is the relationship of marriage. What happens when a wife enters into covenant with her husband? In most cultures, her name symbolizes the essence of this commitment. She “takes his name.” Her identity becomes tied to the husband’s. In fact, our names express who we are tied to no matter where we are in life. Our names demonstrate we are either a “daughter of,” “son of,” or “wife of” someone. Who is your identity tied to?
There are many options or, what the Bible calls, “images” that we can attach to in forming our identity. What have you allowed to name you? Your performance? Your fitness? Your coach? Your gym? Your past? Your job? God’s covenant says He is the only one who has the right to name you.
The third of the Ten Commandments says, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” (Exodus 20:7) When we entered into covenant with God, we took His name. This reminds us our commitment must not be taken lightly. Our name identifies who we are, and our name is tied to someone. Who are we tied to in this covenant?
“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Exodus 34:6-7)
RESPOND
1 – Who, or what, have you committed to through a contract?
2 – How has this contract named you?
3 – Why is your covenant with God the best way for you to find your name?
4 – How can we take the name of the LORD in vain through our fitness?
Faith Workout: Sign Name Here
