February 21 – Leviticus 24-25

Today’s reading comes from Leviticus 24-25. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word.

Today’s reading really spoke to an Issue I really find repulsive in our culture today. You cannot turn on the TV, walk into a store, have a conversation or receive a text message without hearing “Oh my God” or reading OMG. I understand the phrase “Oh my God” has permeated our culture to the point where people are not saying it to offend God or to summon his wrath, sadly it is simply a saying of astonishment. It has permeated our culture so much so that I hear many in our churches use it as part of their vernacular.

To be transparent … whenever I hear someone using “Oh my God,” especially more when it comes from a fellow Christians; my blood boils. And I think it should. Jesus, the Son of God died to save me from my sins. Since the sin of the Garden he has been on a relentless pursuit of me and you to restore our relationship. He is master, creator, sustainer, and deliver. He is worthy to not have his name spoken in a flippant nonchalant way.

After reading the passage today, I believe he feels the same way. We saw a young man blaspheme the name of the Lord … blasphemes means to “speak carelessly, falsely or insultingly about God or holy things” … and you know what his punishment was … death ordered by God. (Leviticus 24:10-16) God takes his name seriously. I think we should too. When we casually say things such as “Oh my God” we are blaspheming the name of God. We are blaspheming the one who saved us. It should enrage us to hear others use that name in flippant and casual way, especially those who call him Lord and savior. I do not know about you but there is no curse word that angers me more than hearing people use my fathers name in such a way. I hope it does you as well.

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