The Glorious Name of God
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendour. Ps.29:2
In the Hebrew tradition one’s name was indicative of one’s nature and character. This is what the Psalmist had in mind as he said that we should give to God ‘the glory of his name’ or ‘the glory due unto his name’. By both name and nature God is worthy of glory. Having just passed through the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany period we can readily recall some names and characteristics of God as revealed in Christ. Let us therefore pause to consider some of them.
In the Hebrew tradition one’s name was indicative of one’s nature and character. This is what the Psalmist had in mind as he said that we should give to God ‘the glory of his name’ or ‘the glory due unto his name’. By both name and nature God is worthy of glory. Having just passed through the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany period we can readily recall some names and characteristics of God as revealed in Christ. Let us therefore pause to consider some of them.
Joseph was told by the angel, “Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matt.1:21) The root from which the word ‘Jesus’ comes is suggestive of ‘salvation’ and ‘saviour’. Remember that the mission of Jesus was that of procuring and offering salvation.
Matthew then speaks of the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy. He refers to him as “Emmanuel” (Immanuel) and gives the interpretation as “God with us”. (Matt.1:22-23; Isa.7:14) In coming on earth God was physically present, highlighting the fact that he was and can always be ‘with us’ and attentive to our condition.
Isaiah, in prophesying about his coming said, “. . . his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isa.9:6) In Jesus Christ has been experienced divine wisdom for aiding us and a ‘peace which passes all understanding’.
The angel said to Mary of the child to be born of her, “He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest”. (Luke 1:32) We have surely experienced how great he is and have recognized that he is the son of God – that he is indeed God himself. Thus, like the Psalmist we can give him the glory that is due to him, and we can worship him ‘in holy splendour’. His name is worthy to be praised and so we can sing: “Thou art worthy to receive glory and honour ”. (Rev.4:11) We can ‘ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name’ and ‘worship him in holy splendour’.
Prayer:
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Therefore, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Amen.
Matthew then speaks of the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy. He refers to him as “Emmanuel” (Immanuel) and gives the interpretation as “God with us”. (Matt.1:22-23; Isa.7:14) In coming on earth God was physically present, highlighting the fact that he was and can always be ‘with us’ and attentive to our condition.
Isaiah, in prophesying about his coming said, “. . . his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isa.9:6) In Jesus Christ has been experienced divine wisdom for aiding us and a ‘peace which passes all understanding’.
The angel said to Mary of the child to be born of her, “He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest”. (Luke 1:32) We have surely experienced how great he is and have recognized that he is the son of God – that he is indeed God himself. Thus, like the Psalmist we can give him the glory that is due to him, and we can worship him ‘in holy splendour’. His name is worthy to be praised and so we can sing: “Thou art worthy to receive glory and honour ”. (Rev.4:11) We can ‘ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name’ and ‘worship him in holy splendour’.
Prayer:
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Therefore, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Amen.
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