Call on me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you. Psalm 50:15a (CSB)

Long ago at Mount Sinai, God gave the people he rescued this command, “Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. (Exodus 20:7, CSB). This completely fits with the previous command to not have any other gods before Him.

After He flexed His muscles before the people of Israel and shattered mighty Egypt and her army at the Red Sea, it would get one shaking in his/her shoes. “Y-y-yes, Sir!” would be the natural, fearful response.
Psalm 50 gives us a different look at this same command. It shows us what is the proper use of God’s name.

When God called Moses in the burning bush, He shared that He heard the cries of the people of Israel, how they were being mistreated at the hands of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. He is responding to those who called on His name!

How are you using God’s name today? Are you cursing and lying in His name? Or are you calling on Him “in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks” (Luther’s Small Catechism)?

Jesus invited His disciples to ask the Father for anything in Jesus’ name, and it will be granted them. We are baptized into that same name. That invitation is ours, too. Have you called on the name of the Lord, lately? Today is a good of day as any to do so.

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us to call on your name! We know that by calling on Your name, You will provide for all of our needs. Thank You for giving us Jesus by which we have come be Your children and that we bear Your name. Keep us always from misusing it. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Written By: Pastor Bartholomew