Knowing the Name
Psalms 9:10 KJV
(10) And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
It’s incredible how much effort and expense it put into ensuring that a name is exposed to a potential market. I was recently watching a winter x-games competition on television and couldn’t help but notice the Taco Bell name displayed on the wall directly behind the skateboarders as they prepared to go down the slope. Then, again, a tennis match had a large GE strategically placed right behind the players. Just a logo itself is also a means of exposing a name as Apple frequently does in flashing the lit up apple on the back of laptops in movies. I’ve often wondered how effective this name exposure is, though, in actually getting someone to go beyond just recognizing the name to actually knowing what that name represents. I did go to Taco Bell yesterday and ordered a couple tacos, but I’m not certain that it was because of that ad on the wall of the x-games. I am quite sure, however, that the vast majority of commercials to which I’m exposed never bring me to the point of trusting enough in what they represent to give up hard earned cash to acquire them.
While there is this continual effort to persuade us to go beyond just recognizing a brand name to actually knowing and trusting that name, there is One who really got all of this started, and He, more than any other, has gone all out with name exposure. While Taco Bell occupied a space on the wall, the name of God was displayed in everything around it- the snow, the stars in the sky, and the incredible ability of the snowboarders to ride a board down the slope, executing amazingly creative maneuvers. He, from the beginning of time has been all about lights, formations and beings that go beyond imagination and are available to be seen even more than the endless barrage of commercials in the world around us. While all are exposed to the display of His name, though, how often are those displays recognized for what they really are and who they truly represent? How often do those displays really cause their observers to go beyond just seeing them to knowing their Maker? The signs on the walls may look nice and have a well-designed logo or emblem, but what they represent will be totally useless until He is first recognized, and then trusted enough to go beyond mere observance to experience.
At every turn and on all sides the name of God will be displayed throughout this day. Rather than just sailing past them without notice, there will be an opportunity to be one of those who have soared through the air, sat down at the table and felt the touch of His spirit. In giving up everything to His care (much more than just some hard-earned cash) there will be a sweetness in the trusting that passes understanding and instills an unshakeable peace. With every exposure there will be a chance to let that representation of God’s name be more than just recognition of His handiwork, but inspiration to worship, glorify, experience and know that name that is above every other name. Every movement and every step can bring further awareness of Jesus’ presence and the incredible greatness of all that is His name. Rather than being influenced by all the billboards constructed by our foes and giving our trust to their message, there will be an opportunity to be consumed with the God signs that completely surround them. Seeking Him alone will, without fail, be rewarded with the experience of His presence.
Psalms 19:1 KJV
(1) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
