(by Lyndon Domsten)
When Jesus gave us the example of how to pray in Matthew 6, did you notice the request that he made of his Father first and foremost? Before asking that His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven, Jesus requested of God to hallow Himself. It wasn’t a declaration for us to hallow God’s name as much as it was for God to hallow God.
It reminds me of those sweatshirts back in the 80’s that boasted about our moms and dads; “Greatest Dad in the World”… “Best Mom in the Universe.” They were trophy shirts worn proudly and with great distinction. As a young kid, that’s how I saw my dad and mom. Every time they stepped up as dad and mom, there was a great sense of peace and security in my life. I could trust my life with them.
Jesus’ request of his Father God is exactly that; to see to it that His name be believed, trusted, feared, glorified, honored based on the revelation He makes known of himself in our everyday situations in our life.
So, what are the implications of God hallowing Himself? If this is Jesus’ highest priority in the prayer, why is it so important that God first show off to us? Our worldwide impact through prayer and boots on the ground depends on God hallowing Himself.
The generation of Israelites that got to cross over the Jordan river were truly blessed with an amazing perspective of God hallowing Himself. The journey to the land of Israel; the promised land, was stamped repeatedly with God hallowing Himself through plagues, the Red Sea crossing, water gushing from a rock, divine food provisions and so much more.
Without a foundational understanding of a hallowed, sovereign God, the crossing over for Israel would never have happened with success. A hallowed God strengthened their hearts like flints of steal, armed with powerful authority to face giants and take over land already given by His word and by His name.
The other implication to God hallowing himself is personal. For me to successfully live out Matthew 6:34 and not worry about tomorrow, depends on God hallowing Himself. How can I truly honor God and make any difference if God doesn’t hallow Himself to me with these kinds of no uncertain terms: “I Am Who I Am” (Ex. 3:14), “The Lord” (Ex. 33:19), “God Almighty” (Ex.6:3), “I am the Alpha and the Omega” (Rev. 21:6).
The same sentiment held by God for His beloved Son can be found in Revelation 19:16. Jesus proudly declares His hallowed name before all creation. “On His robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”
Father God, above all else, hallow your name!