The Second and Third Commandment both relate to how our merciful God saves us. The Second Commandment deals with God’s name. God’s “name” is more than words we use to refer to him: the Lord, Jehovah, Jesus. God’s name includes his reputation, i.e., everything the Word tells us about God. The Third Commandment deals with the Sabbath rest God wants his children to enjoy: resting from fear of condemnation, resting in his promise of mercy.

When we use God’s name flippantly… when we take God’s reputation lightly… when we are apathetic about his Word… when we have little interest in the spiritual rest he offers… we demolish these Commandments. That hurts us way more than it hurts God. Disobedience of these Commandments are attempted acts of spiritual suicide. If we continue in this rebellion, we are guaranteeing that hell is our eternal home. So, this week, we ask the Spirit to give us the ability to sincerely pray, “Lord, have mercy, for demonstrating irreverence for your name and despising your Sabbath rest.”