INTRODUCTION
The name of the LORD is a recurring theme in scripture. There are 90 references to it in the Psalms alone. To the Jews, God’s name is so sacred they won’t even say it. If you went into a synagogue and said ‘Yahweh’ you’d probably get stoned.
TEXT
“Hallowed be thy name”.
1. ADORATION
“Hallowed” means ‘holy’ or ‘sanctified’ and comes from the Greek word hagiazô. The Lord’s name is holy and sacred. Read Deuteronomy 28:58, Psalm 99:3 & Psalm 111:9.
“There must be no careless familiarity. His is a high and hallowed name, one to be employed with reverence and awe” (John Phillips).
God’s name reveals His character. Our text teaches us that He is different. He is not on our level. He is on another plain. He is uncommon. He is separate from sinners. When we say “hallowed be thy name” we are really saying “holy is thy name”.
2. AMBITION
“Hallowed be thy name” is the first of six requests in this great prayer. Jesus teaches us what our ambition should be - that the day will come when all people will reverence the Lord’s name.
Our text is a mirror-image of the third commandment – “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).
3. APPLICATION
a) The first attribute of God we should focus on is His holiness, not His love, mercy or power.
b) Never use the Lord’s name lightly or unnecessarily.
c) Seek after holiness of heart and life which comes from the Lord alone.
There is none holy as the Lord,
There is none beside thee;
Neither is there any rock like our God,
There is none holy as the Lord.
