Hallowed Be Your Name

This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

                        Matthew 6.9

The One True God

The main difference between ancient Israel and other nations was monotheism. While other peoples worshipped many gods, Jews served “the One True God.” Their awestruck reverence for Him extended to unworthiness to call His name. In order to write about Him, they struck the vowels: “Yahweh” became “YHWH.” This is why Old Testament translations render His name in all-caps (“LORD”), while some English-speaking Jewish sects spell it “G-d.”

Although they dared not speak it, God’s name was their greatest treasure. As heirs of His covenant to redeem them, they collectively identified with His name. He constantly reminded them through prophets that Israel was “called by My name,” assuring His commitment to its longevity and success. Unlike other cultures, whose gods reflected human frailties and temperaments, Israel’s God was unique unto Himself—all-powerful, all wise, and impervious to temptation or failure. He alone was holy, wholly without fault. As His people, it was essential for the Jews to prove this by living up to His name.

Holiness

Thus, when Jesus instructs us to pray, “Hallowed be your name,” He’s teaching us to recognize two things at once: God is holy and we must be holy. Paul writes in Ephesians 4.24: “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Being holy, then, comes by perfecting God’s image and expression in us, emulating His qualities and characteristics, seeking His desires and pleasure above our own. This radically alters our approach to being holy from what we shouldn’t do to what must be done. Yes, holiness focuses on abstaining from unhealthy, unacceptable behavior. But it’s a means, not an end; it allows God to shine through us—that’s its purpose. The Hebrews writer says, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12.14) If we want others to see God in us, we can’t permit controversy and self-indulgence to block their view.

What’s in a Name?

So Juliet famously asked. It’s a compelling question coming from one so young. Yet Shakespeare devoted the rest of Romeo and Juliet to exposing its naivety. Juliet’s mistaking identification for identity precipitated enormous confusion and tragic outcomes. She was correct up to a point. Names don’t define us. But she missed this part: names distinguish us. They specifically identify us, setting us apart from everyone else. Then, once people become better acquainted with us, our names and identities merge, becoming associated with certain behaviors and expectations. When we fall short, they say, “That’s so unlike Mary/Michael!”

Isaiah 62.12 says, “They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.” The Lord’s Prayer reminds us God’s name is holy and worthy of reverence. But let’s remember His name also says much about us. Once deserted, He sought after us. He distinguished us as Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD. In praying, “Hallowed be your name,” we pledge our all to build lives worthy of His name.

Our identification with God's name requires us to live worthy of its calling.

(Tomorrow: Your Kingdom Come)

Personal Postscript: New Life

Last week, I shared with you our grief over the loss of our beloved 14-year-old cat, Felix. The love you showered on Walt and me was amazing and your prayers for our comfort were most definitely answered. There's new life in our house. With great joy, I'm delighted to introduce Cody, our seven-week-old, peerlessly feisty, endlessly curious and affectionate kitten.