Blaspheming that Worthy Name James 2:7

James, the “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”, told the members of “the twelve tribes scattered abroad” not to give preferential treatment to “rich” men over “poor”. He question them about the wealthy oppressing the “poor” and drawing them “before the judgment seats”. In chapter two and verse seven of his letter, James continued his questions concerning wealthy people by asking whether they “blaspheme that worthy name by which” they are “called”. We read:

Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which you are called?

The verse begins, “Do not they blaspheme that worthy name...” James began with the words, “Do not they” which refers to “rich men” “blaspheme” which means “speak reproachfully, rail at, revile and calumniate” “that worthy name” which refers to “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable and admirable covering for everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering including rank, authority, interest, pleasure, command, excellencies and deeds”. “Rich” people were known to “speak reproachfully and disdainfully” concerning the “beautiful” “name” God gave to James' readers.

The verse goes on to say, “...by the which ye are called?” James continued,“by the which you” which means “for your sakes” “are called” or “have put upon, invoked and been given a surname”. James referred to the precious and Holy “name” which was given to the believers in Jesus.

When we consider these words of James, we see how he brought to mind the manner in which “rich men” handled the people. Rather than exalt the “Holy name” by “which” they were “called”, they “blasphemed” it. Jesus Christ has given us a “name” that is “worthy, beautiful, excellent, choice and calumniate”, and no one should ever reproach it. May we learn to identify with the “worthy name” Jesus gives us, and let us be aware of “blasphemy” from those who seem “wealthy” in this world.

Next time James shares about “loving your neighbor as yourself”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.