“..and how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native tongues?…” (Acts 2:8)

In the latest Lutheran magazine, it says on page 8, “Jesus” is one of the 25 most hacked passwords on the Internet, according to Splashdata. Our Lord’s name is as easily hacked as “password,” “123456,” “12345678” and “ninja.”

On one hand, it’s a good feeling that there are enough people in the world who think so highly of the Savior of the world that they would actually use His holy name, and yet, on the other hand, here we go again.

Even though Splashdata is making this suggestion as a way for us to protect our electronic mail, etc., it is yet another example of how we are encouraged NOT to use God’s name in various ways.

We all know the ongoing struggles with having the Ten Commandments in public places and the attempts by many to remove “under God” in our “Pledge to Allegiance.” Years ago, there was a push to get us away from using the term “Christ” or “Lord” when designating the history and placement of time. We used to say “Before Christ” (BC) when referring to time essentially before “00” (give or take a couple years, actually) on our calendar and “Anno Domini” (AD) which means “In the Year of our Lord” (which was a direct connection to Jesus). Today, BCE is what is suggested for time before Christ’s birth (meaning “Before the Common Era) and the CE which means “Common Era” which leads from 00 to this very moment.

Legislation has been attempted to be passed to remove “In God We Trust” from our money. Only once have I ever agreed that the name of God shouldn’t be used, and, that was in concordance with the third commandment.

Personally, I couldn’t squeeze the name of God out of my vocabulary even if I wanted to! It is too precious and holy to me. In our personal prayers, our worship, and our daily witness, Jesus is a whole part of the realm of my language – and I’m sure it is yours!

Do not be ashamed or afraid to speak the name of God. Do not be fearful of what others may think of you when you do. No one, to my knowledge, has ever been harmed in any way through the use of the names of God (Christ, Lord, Jesus, etc.) but rather somehow helped and strengthened by them.

One more quote from the article mentioned. It helps explain things a bit. “If your faith affects your password, you’re advised to use longer passwords that makes sense only to you, with mixed characters.” Hmmm. The idea of words that only have meaning to you and the fact that you’re in with mixed characters sounds a little like Pentecost Day! Ah, now maybe we can understand the idea of “speaking in tongues.” Ha! Think about it!

Remember that God loves you and so do I!

Pastor Jim

PS – Thank you so much for your prayers. I am grateful for them and can say that they are a huge part of my healing process. I visit my surgeon next Tuesday, so, let’s see what he has to say about what’s next for me. I’m getting stronger day by day. Thank you again, my brothers and sisters! JWN