Adult Object Lesson: Psalm 113

What’s In A Name?

The opening lines of Psalm 113:
Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord;
praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore.

Today’s lesson is about names. Names are the object.

You might do a little homework this week. Look up the names of a few of your congregation. Find out what their names mean. Both first names and last names have meanings.

Names are important in the Bible. They are more than a label. They identify a person’s character and tell part of their story.

You can use the story of Jacob (usurp or heel holder) and Esau (rough or hairy). Their names became their lives. Jacob, who grasped the heel of his twin brother as he was about to be born first, eventually hoodwinked his brother from his birthright. Esau, born rough and hairy was the hunter. He was out hunting, while Jacob played his tricks.

You can also use the name-changing stories in the Bible. Abram (exalted father)-Abraham (father of multitudes), Sarai (argumentative)-Sarah (princess), Simon (to be heard)-Peter (rock), Saul (prayed for)-Paul (humble).

Some of the names for God were so sacred that they traditionally were not spoken.

In this psalm (read before the Passover Ceremony), the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Naming a person is a huge responsibility and one of the first major negotiations of any marriage. Everyone has a name story to tell.

If you have children in church you might be able to reach the adults by talking to the children about their names. But you can do the same with adults.

Children may not know their name story. Be ready to tell them something about their names.

Ask people to share their name stories. If they hesitate to engage, be prepared to share what you know about their name.

Do a little research. For example, one of my family names is Leach. Doctors were called “leach” because of the practice of using leeches in medicine. No standard spelling back then!

You might talk about how it feels to be called by name. Children know the difference between being called by a diminutive/pet name or when their full name is used. Sales people are taught to refer to everyone by name at least once in every conversation. Some people dislike their names and adopt nicknames. They cringe when unknowing strangers use it.

Then turn the discussion to names for the Lord. What names can they think of? What would they name the Lord and why?

(You might save this sermon for Advent/Christmas season and use it in discussing the naming of Jesus.)

Recite the psalm together as you close.

Or sing the Charles Wesley hymn that builds on this psalm with a new focus on Jesus.

Ye servants of God,
your Master proclaim,
and publish abroad
his wonderful Name;
the Name all-victorious
of Jesus extol:
his kingdom is glorious;
he rules over all.

God ruleth on high,
almighty to save;
and still he is nigh:
his presence we have.
The great congregation
his triumph shall sing,
ascribing salvation
to Jesus our King.

Salvation to God
who sits on the throne!
Let all cry aloud,
and honor the Son.
The praises of Jesus
the angels proclaim,
fall down on their faces,
and worship the Lamb.

Then let us adore,
and give him his right:
All glory and power,
all wisdom and might,
all honor and blessing,
with angels above,
and thanks never ceasing
and infinite love.