What does "called on the name of the LORD" teach about worship? Setting the Scene “ And to Seth also a son was born, and he called him Enosh. At that time men began to call upon the name of the LORD.” (Genesis 4:26) The Core Idea of “Calling on the Name” • The Hebrew verb qārāʾ means “to cry out, proclaim, invoke.” • “Name” (šēm) speaks of God’s revealed character, authority, and reputation (Exodus 34:5–7). • Together the phrase pictures people openly invoking, depending on, and proclaiming the LORD’s person. What This Teaches About Worship • Personal and Relational – Worship starts with direct address to God. It is not ritual first but relationship (Psalm 116:17). • Public and Corporate – “Men began” shows a shared practice, forming the first recorded worshiping community. – Later, Abram “built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD” (Genesis 12:8; 13:4), modeling family worship that also bore witness to surrounding peoples. • Rooted in Revelation – They invoked the specific name YHWH, the covenant name God later explains to Moses (Exodus 3:14–15). – Worship responds to who God says He is, not to human imagination. • Expressed in Prayerful Dependence – To “call” is to petition for help (Joel 2:32; Romans 10:13). Worship confesses need and trusts God’s sufficiency. • Involves Proclamation – Calling on His name also declares His greatness (Psalm 105:1). Worship is testimony as much as petition. • Connected to Sacrifice – Abram’s altar scenes tie calling on the LORD to atonement and thanksgiving offerings (Genesis 22:13–14). True worship acknowledges sin and God’s provision. • Continuous and Generational – The practice began in early Genesis and threads through Scripture (1 Kings 18:24; Acts 2:21). Worship is not a one-time act but a life pattern passed to each generation. Practical Takeaways for Today • Make worship personal: address God by name, focusing on His revealed attributes. • Gather with others: engage in corporate prayer and praise that openly honors the LORD. • Let Scripture shape your words: pray God’s own self-revelation back to Him. • Combine petition with proclamation: ask for His help and declare His deeds to those around you. • Keep Christ’s sacrifice central: approach confidently because Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of every altar. |
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