March 30, 2004



Our Father…. Hallowed be Your Name…”
(part two)
(Luke 11:1-4)

There is a holy tension in our hearts between the words “Father” and “Hallowed.” We come near and call Him “Abba, Father;” we step back and look upon His absolute holiness!

“Hallowed be Your Name.” “Hallowed” –- “set apart as holy”

To hallow His name is to acknowledge His character. He is not earthly, He is eternally other. We are limited; He is limitless! His Name reminds us of how different He is from us. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present and ever-able.

Understanding His character should strike a sense of awe in our hearts. To hallow His Name is to live in the fear of the Lord. What does the “fear of the Lord” really mean? It is not afraid of His presence; it is AWARE of His presence.

Being aware of His presence demands a response…a response that confesses sin and lays down all agendas except His. Do we live as though we know He is there? Do we live like we believe that He sees and knows everything? The Scripture says:

“…all things are open and laid bare before the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb 4:13b)

Father,
I come near knowing You accept me through the blood of Christ. I stand in awe to know You see everything; and I know nothing I do or say is hidden from You. Your Name is holy and Your ways are pure and right. I confess my absolute need for You and I lay down every agenda to choose Your will.

In Jesus’ Name, I seek Your face. Amen