Hallowed Be God's Name
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
10/23/2011 AM
|
Text:
|
Psalm 138;
Lord's Day 47
|
Psalters: |
76, 332, 409, 222 |
- God’s “name” refers to His title, person, power, authority, character, and reputation - everything that reveals Him.
- The Hebrews had so much respect for His name that they would not formulate it with their lips.
- God reveals Himself, giving Himself names so we might know Him.
- God has revealed Himself so that all men are able to know that He is and that He must be thanked and praised.
- But only those given faith can “see” God (John 3:3), i.e., know Him in a personal way (not just about Him).
- God’s name is to be “hallowed,” i.e., holy or declared holy.
- The idea is that we hold God’s name to be distinctly honorable and worthy of worship.
- God’s name is hallowed when His revelation is esteemed as the most important knowledge.
- In this petition we ask our Father to do something.
- Work in our minds so we more and more rightly know Him and His glorious character.
- Give us to know Him rightly more and more, so we see Him in all His works.
- Though God’s name is always hallowed, we ask that it be hallowed through us - consciously.
- We hallow His name with others by witnessing to Him, and praising Him together (Ps. 34:3).
- And we ask that God vindicate His name of all dishonor (Psalm 83).
- Why does our Lord Jesus choose that we pray this way?
- This petition is to be our greatest desire; nothing is more important to us.
- Let us see Him as worthy to be hallowed.
- Love God for only then are we able and willing to pray this petition with understanding.