Articles
My Life Pursuits and His Holy Name
MY Life Pursuits and HIS Holy Name
Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. Ezek. 36:22
God spoke through Ezekiel about his plan to bless the nation by restoring them from their captivity. He wanted it understood that they were not worthy of restoring – there was nothing about them that warranted the great things he was about to do. It was not for THEIR sakes that he was working this great deliverance and restoration of the Jews to their glorious place. No, but He would uphold the honor of his Holy Name. He would work his purpose in history to the glory of his Holy Name. (I hope you might be reminded of our recent study of Ephesians – “having predestined us to the adoption as sons through Jesus Christ… to the praise of the glory of his grace…” 1:5,6.)
In captivity the people of God soon forgot why they were there in the first place - because they had failed to honor the name of Jehovah. And so what did they do? They profaned his Holy Name before the Babylonians. That means they treated his name as common – nothing special about it. They acted as if He were “just another god”, and lived their lives in dishonor to his name. They did not lift his name up as THE Holy One – the One above and beyond all in the creation, who was due their allegiance, praise, sacrifice, love and obedience.
How are we doing with our attitude toward his name? Are our lives demonstrating that our number one concern is that the name of God be held in honor? Sometimes we are so self-centered. Everything revolves around us and our comfort and convenience. Honor to his name is not our priority; in fact, it may never even cross our radar screens.
I don’t really have time to uphold His Holy Name. I am too busy. Deadlines have to be met. Work has to be done. Activities have to be engaged in. Family responsibilities have to be met. Financial commitments have to be fulfilled. It is rough. And I don’t mean to complain, but I just can’t keep up with it all. I wonder why life is so hectic. When that is all done, I am too tired to reserve time for Him. I didn’t even get to go on a vacation this year. No time and not enough money. You would think that the Lord in his providence would have saved room for a little leisure time in there.
I am too sick to worry about honoring His Holy Name. You can’t expect me to think about that when I am not feeling well. When I get back on my feet health-wise, then I will be able to serve him. Of course, I’ll have a lot of catching up to do at work, so I don’t know exactly when I can get back to it. But I’ll manage, if my health holds up. By the way, I don’t like to complain, but when I’m sick, that’s really the time I need others to see about me. It seems nobody cares.
I have not been treated right – MY name has been attacked. You know, Bro. Smith practically accused me of being lazy and selfish and immature. And others just let him get away with it! I know I should honor the Holy Name of God in my relationships to brethren, and my reactions to them, but what about MY honor? Do I really have to tolerate that? It really rubs me the wrong way to sit in the worship assembly and see him over there; thinks he’s better than anybody else. At least I won’t speak to him again – I’ll show him. As a matter of fact, now that I analyze it, I will just go on strike against the church. If they want me, let them come to me.
“Holy Father, through our Brother and Savior and King and Priest, Jesus Christ, we ask that you forgive us for failing to honor your holiness, for neglecting your Name while we pursue the things of this fleshly life. Grant to us by your grace and mercy that we might turn our course to higher and holier things. Grant that we might follow in the steps of our Savior who lived and died, chiefly to honor your Holy Name. Grant that we might learn to fall at your feet in praise and devotion, and by faith to present our bodies a living sacrifice to your glory and honor. Amen.”
Larry Walker
April 2011
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