Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)
Friends, some things in life act as keys. It can unlock mysteries and open up doors that we never even knew had a keyhole. It helps us to be content when our plans didn't work out the way we expected, or to give us a goal and a standard to live up to. Looking back on life some pillars stand out for me. These pillars represent moments where my eyes were opened up to understand what the Lord wants to reveal to us in His Word. I want to share one of those revelations with you.
I don't think people understand the full measure and power of God's name. His name is sovereign and just, and when we read throughout the scriptures, it is evident that God places His name higher than anyone or anything. Everything that was created and everything that He did, was for His name, His glory, and His honor. In the old testament, there were a few times where He could've put an end to His nation, but He knew that He had to keep His Word, the promise that He would protect them and be their God. And so for His name's sake, he spared their lives.
When we look at the cross, Jesus decided to endure the hardship and the pain, because He knew that the salvation and the freedom that would come through His obedience, will bring glory to God's name.
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”
John 12:27-28 (NIV)
Whether you want to hear this or not, you were created to bring glory to His name. It is such an honor to think that God created us because He knew that each one as an individual would be able to bring glory to His name, just by living out the purpose which He planned for our lives in advance. Just knowing this should give us a new standard that we can live up to because we know that everything we do is to honor His name. As much as this can bring so much joy, it is also an opportunity for us to sit down and evaluate our own lives. Am I living a life that brings honor to His name? What changes should I make to be a reflection of His name and love to others here on earth?
To make this practical I wrote on a few pieces of paper: "For Your Name, For Your Honor, For Your Glory." I placed it on my mirror, fridge, wardrobe, wherever I could see it throughout the day. So whether I am eating or deciding what to wear, I'm continually asking myself will this bring glory to His name? Will I honor Him by making this decision? I don't do this to punish myself, but to help me because I know that if it pleases Him, I will also be content.
So I want to give you a few scriptures to read. Take the time to work through every verse and ask Him to give you a new revelation and understanding of His name. These are scriptures throughout the bible, old and new testament, which show us how God values His name.
I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.
Isaiah 42:8 (NKJV)
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
Isaiah 26:8 (NIV)
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Isaiah 43:6-7 (NIV)
For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my wickedness and my guilt, for they are great.
Psalm 25:11 (AMP)
I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
1 John 2:12(NIV)
And wherever they went among the nations they profaned my holy name, for it was said of them, ‘These are the Lord’s people, and yet they had to leave his land.’ I had concern for my holy name, which the people of Israel profaned among the nations where they had gone. “Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.
Ezekiel 36:20-23 (NIV)
He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Psalm 23:3 (NLT)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
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