Some may be aware that an orthodox Jew will not write even the word "God" in full, but as "G_d". Why is this so? Well, it's because of the commandment: “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." (Ex.20:7). But "God" is really just a description! So what is God's Name? That had already been given to Moses, as we read in Ex. 3:14 : "God said to Moses, “I am Who I am.” And He said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am' has sent me to you."
The name "LORD" (as it is normally shown in English language versions; Hebrew YHWH = Yahweh, or Jehovah) conveys the truth that He is the eternal, self-existing One. Indeed, the popular question asked by the sceptic: "If God created everything, who created God?" is non-sense! "God", by definition, is UNcreated!
The Lord Jesus Christ appropriated this divine name to Himself when He told the Jews: "Before Abraham was (i.e., 'existed'), I AM" (John 8:58). Correctly assuming that this statement was nothing less than a direct claim to identity with God, the Jews immediately (but unsuccessfully) attempted to stone Him to death as a blasphemer.
As the "I AM", the Lord Jesus Christ is, indeed, everything, and He has revealed Himself to us under many beautiful symbols. Perhaps you are aware of the seven great "I AMs" in the John's account of the gospel, each of which is rich with spiritual depth of meaning. They are as follows:
"I am the light of the world . . . the light of life" (John 8:12).
"I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:7).
"I am the good shepherd . . . (Who) giveth His life for the sheep" (John 10:11).
"I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25).
"I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
"I am the true vine" (John 15:1).
However, moving in a different direction, I recall, as a young (and very immature!) student at the Bible Training Institute in Glasgow, thinking that it was "cool" to use the expression "Cor blimey" as commonly used by, I believe, Cockneys. It was a fellow-student from the year above mine (and who may even be reading this post! Thank you Barbara.) who spoke to me and asked if I understood what I was saying. I probably flustered a bit, so she explained that it was a corruption of the phrase "God blind me" and was, in effect, a curse on oneself! As you may imagine, I have never used the expression since! Sadly, I hear many - even professed disciples of Jesus - who will say things like "Oh, my gosh!"; "Oh my goodness"; "Jeezo"; etc., etc. I encourage you to think about what you say - and what may be the underlying thought!
I am currently working on my fourth book, entitled "Living the Faith", and based on the Letter from James. Just before typing this, I was working on chap.11 of the book, headed "The trouble with the tongue", looking at ch.3 of the letter. James has a lot to say on the subject - and it is all well worth reading and pondering. I quote J.B.Phillips who renders v.5(a) of that chapter: "The human tongue is physically small,
but what tremendous effects it can boast of!" And these effects can be for evil, as well as for good! It is little wonder that the Psalmist cries: "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips!" (Ps. 141:3).
The Lord Jesus said: "I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt.12:36-37).
Let us be careful as to how we speak, at all times - and especially when we refer to the Name that is above every name.
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