“I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the Lord am the Holy One in Israel” (Ezekiel 39:7).
Ezekiel was one of God’s prophets during the time His people were in captivity. His people had strayed away from worshiping God as He commanded. They turned to idols and lived as the pagans around them. They had profaned God’s holy name. All through the book of Ezekiel we read, “Declares the Sovereign Lord.” God is sovereign and He has commanded His people to worship and serve Him only. God is holy and His name is holy. I think we sometimes forget about His holiness.
When I sit down to read the Word and pray I sometimes forget I’m in the presence of holiness. My attitude is a bit too casual, I think. God is above all and He created all things that exist. He is awesome and amazing. I am often reminded of this as I read the Word and as I enjoy His creation of both the mighty and mini creatures. I must praise and worship Him, recognizing His awesomeness and reverence His name. As a child of the King, His holiness demands my submission to Him. As the Apostle Paul so eloquently states in Philippians 2:5, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” There is no room for my selfishness and pride when I think about what Jesus did.
Jesus willing gave up His place with the Father, humbled Himself, took on a servant nature to become a human, and gave up his life on a cross! Read on: “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 confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
What an awesome Name! Does my life honor His Name?
Dear God, I want my life to be free of idols that would cause me to profane your Name. I want my life, every thought and action and attitude, to be like Jesus. Forgive my selfishness and pride. Forgive me when I disregard Your Holiness when I call on Your Name. Give me a spirit of humility and an attitude of submission. In the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.