Hallowed Be Thy Name
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
4/28/2013 AM
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Text:
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Exodus 15;
Lord's Day 47
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Psalters: |
16, 332, 308, 288 |
- The meaning.
- God’s “name” is everything that reveals Him.
- He does this so His highest creature might know Him and distinguish Him from idols.
- 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 seen in many places.
- In creation God reveals His wisdom, power, righteousness, goodness, etc.,
- In Scripture He gives His clearest revelation.
- Jesus is God’s fullest revelation of Himself (John 1:1,14; Hebrews 1:3).
- The preaching of the pure gospel combines both, the fullest and clearest revelation of God.
- We are to pray that God’s name be “hallowed,” i.e., be holy or declared holy.
- The idea is that we acknowledge it to be honorable and distinct, not that we make it holy.
- Holy means that God’s nature and conduct is only pure brightness (Ex. 15:11).
- We are asking the Father to teach us and to enable us to hallow His revelation of Himself.
- So work in our minds and hearts that we may more and more see Him and His glory in all His works.
- Make us sensitive to Him so He is not blasphemed on our account but glorified (Ps. 143:10).
- Work in us so we manifest by our humility, self-denial, and heavenly-mindedness that He is worthy
- Move us to 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).
- What is the reason our Lord Jesus wants us to pray this petition and to pray it first?
- This is to be our greatest desire; nothing is more important to us.
- He is worthy to be hallowed because of His transcendent glory.
- May we glorify and enjoy Him forever (Psalm 63:5).