READ: 1 Pet. 2:1-10
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light – 1 Pet. 2:9
God’s name is also in the third commandment. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain”. That is not just a ban on cursing and swearing falsely. Considering positive actions this commandment requires, HC Lord’s Day 36 says that “we must use the holy name of God only with fear and reverence, so that we may rightly profess Him, call upon Him and praise Him in all our words and works.”
Now, the Lord Jesus brings up the same thing for our prayer to God. It is important to know God in all His virtues and deeds, not just for ourselves but to praise Him by speaking about Him and honoring Him for them.
Our text from Peter’s first letter shows that our speaking of and praising God’s virtues is the most important purpose of our salvation. No, the sinful world does not want to know and honor God; instead, it seeks itself. But God gives us His Son who delivers us from the darkness of sin and selfishness through His shed blood, in order that we might belong to Him and make His name great. We are now His property, His own people to serve and honor Him. For this we have been made kings and priests by Him; kings who fight with and for their Lord and priests who serve Him.
When we pray, “Hallowed be Thy Name” we say: Lord, help us with Thy Word and Spirit that in this dark world we may uphold and proclaim Thy glorious name in word and deed, and praise Thee for who Thou art and what Thy dost do. Let us so express our gratitude that Thou hast redeemed us!
How do you work on hallowing of God’ name?
Singing: Ps. 71:7