Courageous Joy

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name”

Do we take the time to revere God’s name? In Scripture “names” equate with attributes and the very nature and character of a person. We are to count God’s character as holy. We are to have a holy fear of God and all that He is.

We are not allowed to say “Oh – my God isn’t like THAT”….if Scripture states that God is holy, just, pure, merciful, sovereign, almighty, self-sufficient, our healer, provider and more…then He is. To honor His name is to embrace all that is in His character. We dishonor His name when we pick and choose and make up our own composite image of “god”.

Many of us have committed not to take the Lord’s name in vain. Unfortunately, we’ve lessened His command to mean that we won’t swear with God’s name. While this may be a good start, it seems to fall short of what God intended. When we refuse to accept and embrace all that God is, we take His name/character in vain. When we allow our fears to have more sway than the Word of God in determining who we believe God is, we have taken His name in vain.

What about the phrase “in Jesus’ name?” Is this a phrase that we simply tack on to the end of our prayers? Is a prayer not valid unless the magical 3 words are added? Certainly, there is something to be said of not being ashamed to name the name of Christ in public. But could it be that when we are told to pray in Jesus’ name, God had much more in mind than simply reciting the words? Could it be that He is more concerned that our prayers are “in line with the character of Jesus?” Could I in fact pray a beautiful prayer “in the name of Jesus” and that prayer really NOT be in the name of Jesus at all? Could I pray a simple prayer and maybe not use that phrase and still have it be pleasing to God? Could it still line up with all that is in the character and nature of God and be considered pleasing and “in the name of Jesus?”

Some thoughts as I prepare for Tuesday night.