Tomorrow I’m preaching from Leviticus 21-22 in our “journey through the Word.” I had my message all prepared and on Saturday, it began to dawn on me that I had an okay message, but there really wasn’t anything about it that called for transformation, which is one of the great goals of preaching. So I shifted the focus from what it means to be a priest to what it means to live the name of Jesus.
“Therefore shall you keep my commandments and do them: I am the Lord. Neither shall you profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the Lord which hallow you, that brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord.” -Leviticus 22:32-33
The entire passage is about the priests of Israel and revolves around the repetition of “I am the Lord.” You shall be holy because I am the Lord. I will be hallowed among the people because of you. I think the best modern application is to our role as priests today – those who lead, intercede, and represent God in this present age. The name of God is at the center of our identity as those who are called to “stand in the gap” (Eze. 22:30) for the land. My challenge to Bethel will be threefold?
Live IN the Name of Jesus
To live in His name is to live our lives according to His will – to live as though we are living His life in His stead. We’re left here on His behalf, so living in His name requires us to live in line with Jesus’ character, to follow His example, and to do the best we can to live just as He would.
Live FOR the Name of Jesus
Living in His name means living in accordance with His will and character, but when I say live for His name, I mean, have a passion for His name. The name of Jesus is one of Scripture’s most frequently visited topics. His name should be revered and defended, promoted and represented well. His name should be praised and should inspire hope and confidence in us. It’s a name worth living for.
Live UNDER the Name of Jesus
A name like Jesus’ carries authority. Jesus didn’t spend his sermon time quoting the classics – He spoke from His own authority as the eternal Author of the expression of God’s mind. We are to live under the authority of His name. He’s in charge. He owns His children in the sense that He has bought us from sin’s penalty with the price of His own blood, so we are His. We answer to Him and live under Him.
There’s an old song that keeps repeating in my head… “Take the name of Jesus with you.” That’s really the challenge for believers – to live our lives in, for, and under the name of Jesus Christ.
The graphic is up for grabs if you can use it.
