The power in hallowing the Name of the Lord

Topic: Live and let live

Focus: The power in hallowing the Name of the Lord

Romans 14:13 (NKJV) Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

One of the most humbling things to contemplate is the number of people who we may have caused to stumble or fall because of unrighteousness on our part. I’m sure I don’t remember all of the evil I have done in my lifetime, but there are still things I wish I could forget.

It’s bad enough knowing I did things that were displeasing to God—but even more so, that I corrupted other people by my bad example.

There is no way to go backwards and undo the acts I committed—what’s done, is done—and as far as even knowing how many people I influenced in negative ways—or who they even were—there isn’t any way to trace all of my tracks.

The only thing I can do is plead the mercy of God. Part of pleading His mercy involves acknowledging that His love and forgiveness are the only things we have to stand on.

Ezekiel 36:23 (NKJV) says, “And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.”

Nothing but the precious and perfect blood of God’s own Son, Jesus, can excuse or cover my guilt. He is my only hope.

Repentance is powerful and so is restitution. Repentance is always possible—restitution may not be, in a physical sense.

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Even if it were possible to go to every person I had ever wronged and ask their forgiveness, true restitution can only come through the mercy and grace of God. Not that I should excuse myself from the responsibility of making things right whenever and wherever I can, but I should also trust the saving power of Christ that rescued me, to also rescue the souls who I may have caused to lose their way.

Just as my influence for evil had a powerful effect on them—so can my prayers. Who else could pray more effectively for someone who is lost, than the person who led them astray?

Even though I know my prayers can make a difference, it takes commitment to continue standing in prayer for the ones who may be a long way behind in the distance.

How will people who I don’t even see anymore know that the Lord is their God if I hallow Him? I may never know the answer to that question in detail, but if my heart is contrite before the Lord, I can plead for the boundless mercy of God to stretch to wherever they are to find them in their need.

Hopefully, by this time you and I have made a considerable amount of progress in our own individual recovery. Of course, we still have to continue committing ourselves each day to stay on the right track, but at this point we should be able to focus a considerable amount of our time and attention on interceding for those who are lost…especially the ones who may have been lost with us—or because of us.

Recognizing how great God is and the power His great Name carries, should give us the motivation to exalt Him. Praising Him for His awesome ability can break bondages of all kinds.

When we believe—all things are possible! And when we praise—nothing is impossible!

Think of the ones who are lost that you can’t reach and say to the Lord, “Save them all!” Keep saying it. Say it with authority in the Name of Jesus. Cheer God on like a cheerleader. Tell Him you know He can do it. Tell Him you believe He will do it. Bless His Name…His great Name.

You may not get to see it happen, and hopefully, you won’t try to take any credit for it, when it does…but when we pray and ask God to honor His Name in the lives of those who are lost because of our influence—He will.

Declaration: I will find new strength by hallowing the Great Name of God and His Son Jesus, through the boldness of the Holy Spirit in me. I will stand on the power of His Word and put my faith in the redeeming blood of the Lamb.