Today we are reading Leviticus 24. In this chapter we read about rules against using God’s name inappropriately. “Now an Israelite woman’s son, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the people of Israel. And the Israelite woman’s son and a man of Israel fought in the camp, and the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the Name, and cursed. Then they brought him to Moses. His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan. And they put him in custody, till the will of the Lord should be clear to them. Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Bring out of the camp the one who cursed, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him. And speak to the people of Israel, saying, Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.” Leviticus 24:10-16 This seems rather harsh. In the heat of a fight the young man swore—misusing God’s name. The penalty is death. What is the point here? God is Holy. God’s name is Holy. To misuse God’s name is serious. If we lived by this standard today, who would be put to death? Do you think God has lightened up a little in this area? How should your speech honor God? Pastor Tim
