How does God's protection of His name connect to the Lord's Prayer? Setting the Stage Ezekiel 20 is a courtroom scene: God rehearses Israel’s long record of rebellion, then explains why He did not wipe them out in righteous judgment. The key is v. 14: “But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.” God’s Zeal for His Name in Ezekiel 20 • Israel’s sin deserved swift justice, yet God restrained His wrath “for the sake of My name.” • His reputation among the surrounding nations mattered; if His covenant people were destroyed, the Gentiles would question His power and faithfulness. • By preserving Israel, God protected the public glory of His character—His holiness, faithfulness, mercy, and power. • This pattern appears repeatedly in the chapter (vv. 9, 14, 22, 44), showing a consistent divine priority. “Hallowed Be Your Name” — The Lord’s Prayer Echo • When Jesus teaches us to pray, the very first petition is “Hallowed be Your name.” (Matthew 6:9) • “Hallowed” means “set apart as holy, revered, honored.” • The prayer flows directly out of Ezekiel’s theme. God protects His name; we are invited to partner with Him by praying that His name be honored on earth as it is in heaven. • In Ezekiel, God acts unilaterally; in the Lord’s Prayer, He graciously includes His children in the same mission. Scripture Threads That Tie the Theme Together • Exodus 3:15 — “This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.” • Psalm 23:3 — “He guides me in paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.” • Isaiah 48:9–11 — “For My name’s sake I defer My anger… My glory I will not give to another.” • John 12:28 — “Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” • Revelation 11:18 — Nations rage, but God’s final judgment vindicates “those who fear Your name.” Living in Step with the Father’s Passion • Align your prayers: begin by exalting His name before presenting requests. • Guard your conduct: bear His name well in speech, ethics, and relationships so it is not profaned through us. • Celebrate His mercy: every moment of withheld judgment, every act of patience, is God preserving the honor of His name. • Share the gospel: as more people know Christ, the fame of God’s name spreads among the nations—answering both Ezekiel 20 and the Lord’s Prayer in real time. |
    |