The Eternal Desire Series

Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, often exalted as Godly rulers, were a greater curse to

the kingdom of God than Hitler, for they did what he did in the name of God. They

brought the Inquisition to Spain in 1480. Jews were forced to be baptized at birth, and

this supposedly made them Christians. If at any time they showed a relapse, that is,

ceased to be wholeheartedly Christian in doctrine and practice, they were declared

heretics, and burned at the stake. Because the church and the state got to split all of a

heretics property, the Jews were constantly being burned at the stake, and driven out of

Spain. Modern Catholic scholars honestly recognize it was one of the most disgraceful

chapters in church history, and they can understand why Jews despised the God, in

whose name this great evil was done. This, and numerous other tragedies of history,

could never have been done by Christians were came before God with a desire of the

Lord's Prayer in their hearts-hallowed be Thy name.

If the reputation of God is a primary concern of the believer, he will be cautious to do

nothing that makes others despised the name he bears and loves. History would have

been different, and your life will be different, if you really pray this prayer, and deeply

desire that your life will lift, rather than lower, the reputation of God. The question to

ask is, is there anyone in the world who is more impressed with God, and who considers

that maybe God does care, because of your life and caring?

The whole missionary spirit is wrapped up in this first petition. It is a prayer that

people everywhere will come to love the Father in heaven, and desire to be a part of His

family. This is the motive that makes missionaries. Some poet has written-

I know of lands

that are sunk in shame,

Of hearts that faint and tire,

But I know a Name, a Name, a Name

That can set those lands on fire.

The difference between burning people at the stake, and setting their hearts on fire with

love for Christ, is in this first, and primary, petition of the Lord's Prayer.

The Pharisees were only concerned about their own fame. All they did, they did for

their own reputation. Jesus is saying this is the way to failure. True success comes when

we desire God's fame, and not our own. If we can so live that God's name is honored, we

have the only success that really matters. On the other hand, if we gain popularity, and

make millions, but nobody loves God and admires Him more because of it, it is all folly,

and a missing of the boat. Every child in the family of God has equal opportunity to be

successful in a way that pleases God, and it all starts with this first desire.

This first petition demands that the child of God be concerned for all men. The "Our

Father" still leaves out the unbeliever, for He is not a part of the family of God. But God

is concerned that His name be honored by all, and be despised by none. We know that

this is not possible, but it is still the goal of the Christian to want all to respect the name