Claiming Ha Shem

Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 92:1-16; Romans 10:5-13

Central Baptist Church, Lowesville, VA

25 February 2007

What’s in a name? In this day of model numbers, account numbers, ID numbers, and credit scores, names at times seem less important than the various numbers we associate with our lives. Not long ago, one’s name was one’s credit. We associated names with one’s lineage, but also with character and reputation expressed in one’s own past and family history. One’s name was one’s honor, identity, and calling card in the world. One’s name could be a burden or a blessing, and one was called upon to keep it worthy of bearing with pride. Do we carry God’s name with the same weight of responsibility? Do we claim God’s name improperly or live to announce God’s character before the world?

The Psalmist’s words were not intended to be spiritualized or explained away as applying to life beyond this world. They were intended as a confession of faith in Yahweh. The nation had reportedly taken Yahweh’s name for themselves, as a wife takes the name of her husband. Likewise, they viewed themselves as Yahweh’s property, much as a woman in times past was considered the property of her husband. In the context of belonging to Yahweh, the psalmist extols the blessings of that relationship. He recognizes that the nation does not wholeheartedly serve Yahweh, but proclaims that being faithful to the name they claim is worth the effort. How do we actively declare our faith and confidence in the God we claim to serve?

When we chose to work with the Traditionalist Gaúchos in Brazil, I determined that one of the best ways to identify with them was to wear their clothing. Many thought it ridiculous that an American would wear the Traditionalist garb. Some thought it would come across as dressing up in a costume in pretense to be what I was not. As we entered the community, however, we found they did not define a Traditionalist on the basis of heritage, but on the basis of choice and action. One could become one of them by assuming the character and responsibilities of a Traditionalist. By identifying with them in dress and expressing interest in their activities, we were accepted as one of them. As believers, how do we announce God’s character to the world, identifying the One whose name we claim?

Deuteronomy challenges us to recall of the character of the One we serve. As the Hebrews were called to present an offering of the first fruits of the land, they were to celebrate the character and deeds of Yahweh. The act of giving was important. They were to bring the first and best to God. Beyond the giving, however, they were to remember to whom they gave and why. More than a duty to give, it was an exercise in faith and part of remembering they belonged to Yahweh.

“A wandering Aramean was my father,” began the oldest confession of faith for the Hebrews. The story says, “We were nothing and had nothing, then went into slavery, but Yahweh brought us up out of slavery into hope.” While offering the first fruits of their fields, the people were to confess and remember why they were able to give an offering in the first place. They were to announce the character of Yahweh as the God who redeems, grants hope, and provides for a future. Claiming God’s name for themselves was not enough. They needed constant reminder of whose name they claimed.

God’s name was important to the Hebrews. In respect they did not pronounce it. On writing it, they took pains with writing the consonants, so as not to besmirch God’s name. One of the phrases used to refer to God was the very phrase, ha shem—The Name. “The Name” was enveloped in a sense of awe, mystery, and wonder, for it reflected the full identity and character of Yahweh who had redeemed and provided for the nation. More than an ID number, it recalled the full character and history of Yahweh’s dealings with the nation. How often do we pause to remember God’s character and what God has done for us?

In the book Bridge to Terebithia, the main character’s family goes to church once a year on Easter. They do not go out of a sense of recognition and worship of God. They go mainly to make a public appearance as a social statement. After some conflict with the preacher, they gave up on church, for it seems it had never been an expression of recalling God’s importance in their lives. It was simply a routine without substance of allegiance and belonging. Like faith, church had never truly impacted their lives, for they claimed an allegiance they did not embrace. They neither recall God as part of their daily routines, nor rely on God for aid in their struggles. Do we live in such a way as to embrace God as an active participant in our daily struggles?

Salvation and claiming the name of Christ is more than a question of personal benefit. It is also the assuming of responsibility. As Deuteronomy recalled the character of Yahweh in redeeming and providing for the nation, so Paul reminds the Roman believers of God’s character in redeeming through Christ Jesus. What one was unable to do, God did on our behalf, sending Christ into the world, then resurrecting him to life that we might receive eternity with God.

As Deuteronomy, Paul recalls God’s character in doing for us what we would are unable to do for ourselves. Salvation is a gift of God’s provision. Through Christ we are offered the opportunity to call upon God, assured of redemption upon invoking His Name. The phrase is interesting, for it challenges us to invoke The Name of the One the Jews would not name outright, a quote from Joel 3:5. Paul expands the import of Joel by emphasizing that this salvation in The Name of Yahweh is for all, Jews and Gentiles alike.

While access to salvation in the name of the Lord is available to all, Paul recalls our responsibility in claiming God’s name. Paul is not so concerned here with distinguishing the specific name or title for God, but with bearing God’s name in confession, commitment, and confidence. Salvation requires more than bearing the name of Abraham—the Aramean wanderer. Salvation requires more than claiming the blessings of God’s people. It requires assuming the responsibility of bearing the name of Christ Jesus before the world. How do we announce God’s character and salvation before the world?

I recently had contact with a new believer who was energized to share her faith. She did not know much about the gospel, but she knew that in Christ she had something worthwhile to share. Conversation with family and friends was peppered with her desire to proclaim her new faith. Most believers I know were seemingly taught that the only ones who ought to speak of God are those who have been seminary educated, read the Bible thoroughly, and have all the answers. In the process, most of us fail to live in recognition of what God has already done for us. We fail to share our experience of giving our own lives over to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior.

If we are unwilling to share the news of our salvation, what difference does faith make in our lives? Do we claim Christ without allowing God to access to our lives? If we claim the name of Christ as Savior, we must bear His name before the world, as well. With all God has done for us, may we remember and proclaim His name lest our claim on Christ be like one more worthless number.

—©2007 Christopher B. Harbin