Ez.35-37 [The Message]

Much of what God does in the earth is to uphold the honor of His Name.

Years ago I said, “Speak to me, Lord.” God said, “Sanctify My Name.” I began studying the issue and discovered the following:

• In the “Our Father” prayer, we are instructed to say, “Hallowed by Thy Name.”
• Take off the “H” for the human element and proceed to “Allow God’s Name.”
• All the names of God in the Old Testament describe what God wants to do and be for His People. ie. Jehovah-Shalom, God is our Peace.

God told Moses to “Sanctify My Name” as he stood before the rock at Meribah. God instructed him to speak to the rock. allowing God to produce the water. Instead, he smote the rock with his rod. Yes, water came out, but God was displeased. He did not Sanctify the Lord’s name by allowing God to do it. Instead, the people thought Moses did it with his action of striking the rock. Moses got the glory, not God.

As we allow God to work through us by sanctifying His name, He gets the glory.

Every supernatural ability, divine capability and power is resident in the Name of Jesus. His is the Name we sanctify when we use it to navigate life.

Ez. 34 [The Message]

The prophet reproved the lazy and self–serving shepherds of Israel and prophesied that the Great Shepherd, Jesus, would come and gather His sheep to Himself.

Good shepherds:

• Feed and water their sheep
• gather them
• protect them
• care for their injuries
• comfort them
• lead them into good, safe pastures

Ez. 32, 33 [The Message]

A watchman warns his people of impending danger or attack. All he/she needs to do is “Speak up.”

How many of the people we come in contact with will perish if they don’t come to Christ? 

It’s somewhat delicate business informing people of their fate if they reject Christ. Our tone is critical.

Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. [Jude 22, 23 The Message]