095. MAT 6:9. THE NAME OF GOD SHOULD BE HALLOWED

Mat_6:9. The Name of God Should Be Hallowed

"Hallowed be thy name."’97Mat_6:9

Consider,

I. The name of God.

By his name we are to understand,

1. God himself.

1Ki_5:5. "Give unto God the glory due unto his name;" Psa_29:2; Psalms 34; Psa_61:5.

2. The titles and perfections of God.

"I am that I am;" Exo_3:14. "Jehovah"’97"the Lord God, merciful, gracious," &c.; Exo_34:6, Exo_34:7.

II. The Petition.

"Hallowed be thy name." To hallow is to sanctify. Same word often thus rendered: see Isa_8:13; Isa_29:23. Signifies to hold sacred, to reverence, to adore, &c. We may be said to hallow God’s name,

1. When we hold it sacred, and never pronounce it but with reverent awe.

This is opposed to all profane uses of it, to a light and inconsiderate use of it. Professors often offend in this. The Jews always paused before and after pronouncing it. God’s name is hallowed,

2. When we hold correct views of his character and perfections.

We should not conceive of him as a Being of wrath and terror, nor as a Being of all mercy, nor as a Being indifferent to human actions, &c.; but as the intelligent Ruler of the universe, glorious and perfect in all his attributes, and blessed in all his ways and works.

3. When we act towards him as a Being possessed of these perfections.

Adore his greatness, revere his purity, fear his justice, delight in his mercy and grace, are grateful for his goodness, trust in his truth, &c. We hallow his name,

4. When we set him before us, and make him the end of all our actions.

Act always as in his presence’97do all to his glory 5. When we exalt and worship his name in the congregations of his people.

"Come, let us worship the Lord, and magnify his name together:" Psalms 29 to the end, Psa_32:1-3. In this way we condemn idolatry, infidelity, indifference &c. We hallow his name,

6. When we receive and honor his Son.

God has committed all judgment unto him, "that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father." John v 23. Notice,

III. The Means by which we may promote the Hallowing of God’s name.

1. In ourselves.

By cultivating scriptural views of Deity, by meditation and prayer, by holy fear and watchfulness.

2. In our families.

By teaching our children the fear of the Lord.

3. In the world.

By wise and kind reproof to the profane. By circulating useful publications, especially the Holy Scriptures.

Application

1. Let the Christian love and delight in God’s name. Exalt it, extol it, glory and trust in it. 2. Let the sinner fear him, dread coming in collision with him, tremble before him, and agree with him quickly, lest he perish by the way, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS