Our Sermon on the Mount series continues with a further look at The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6). This week, Tyler Jones examines the phrase "Hallowed be Your name".
The more I read these three chapters, the more I am both drawn to them and shamed by them. Their brilliant light draws me like a moth to a spotlight; but the light is so bright that it sears and burns. No room is left for forms of piety which is nothing more than veneer and sham.
The Six petitions 1. God’s name to be hallowed 2. God’s kingdom come 3. God’s will be done 4. Ask for our daily needs 5. Ask for forgiveness of sins 6. Ask for help to overcome temptation
Hallowed – Hagiazo: to purify
- to cleanse externally
- to purify internally by renewing of the soul
Hallowed – Hagiazo: To acknowledge
Relevancy & Reverence
Jehovah – Redeemer
Elohim – the Creator
Names of God:
- Ancient of Days
- Alpha & Omega
- Righteous Judge
- The Way, the Truth, the Life
- Wonderful Counselor
- Mighty God
- Everlasting Father
- Prince of Peace
- Faithful One
- Righteous Judge
- Child in the manger
- The God of the Cross
- The Mangled One
- Crushed One
- The Dying One
- Dead
- The Resurrected One
Jesus spoke and acted in such a way that one either had to follow him or else decide that he was crazy. There was no middle ground in his kingdom. You either had to move toward it, risk letting go and being caught up in his project, or else - like the rich ruler - you had to move on, realizing that you wanted to retain citizenship in the kingdoms of the world.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God…
Reflection Questions:
We are called to “Hallow” Christ’s name. It is a call by God, for God, to you. It is a call to make Him known in the way you live. Do you have reverence for God? How will you allow Christ to change your soul, heart, mind? How can you live in a way that makes Christ accessible to the world?
The Kingdom of God is already here and it is marked by faith, by healing, by power struggle, and with celebration. The most messed up people get it--prostitutes, murderers, accountants, doctors, militants, even some religious leaders. Entry is based solely on faith in Christ. Where are you in regards to the Kingdom?
The Kingdom is all-embracing and therefore must be embraced with you all. It will affect your finances, your allegiance, your love, your hopes, your future. Are you embracing the Kingdom with your all?