What does it mean to "exalt His name together" in community worship? Setting the Scene: Psalm 34:3 “Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:3) Written by David after deliverance from danger (1 Samuel 21), this call gathers God’s people into a single chorus of gratitude and awe. What Does It Mean to Exalt? • “Exalt” (Hebrew: rum) means to lift high, raise up, place above all. • Exalting God is not adding to His greatness but openly acknowledging it. • The action is vocal, visible, and wholehearted—praise that enlarges the congregation’s awareness of who He already is. • Scripture echoes: “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.” (Psalm 57:5) Why Focus on His Name? • “Name” represents the totality of God’s character, reputation, and covenant faithfulness. • Declaring His name recounts His attributes—holy, merciful, righteous, almighty. • Exodus 34:5-7 demonstrates God proclaiming His own name to Moses, revealing His heart. • Remembering His name keeps worship God-centered rather than experience-centered. Together in Worship: Shared Joy, Shared Witness • Corporate praise unifies believers into “one body” (1 Colossians 10:17). • Mutual encouragement flows; “Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you… singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16) • United worship testifies to outsiders; “Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:3) • The early church modeled this rhythm—“They continued with one accord in the temple… praising God.” (Acts 2:46-47) Practical Expressions of Corporate Exaltation • Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that declare God’s deeds. • Public Scripture reading and responsive readings (1 Timothy 4:13). • Testimonies of God’s recent faithfulness, reinforcing His unchanging character. • Unified prayer where one voice speaks for many hearts (2 Chronicles 6:13-14). • Sacraments observed reverently, centering on Christ’s finished work. • Physical postures—standing, kneeling, lifting hands—visibly proclaiming His worth. • Generous giving and shared service that display trust in His provision. The Fruit of United Exaltation • God’s manifest presence: “The house of the LORD was filled with a cloud… for the glory of the LORD filled the house.” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14) • Believer maturity, stirred to “love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • A foretaste of heaven’s multicultural multitude crying “Salvation to our God… and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:10) • Joy that strengthens: “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) • Evangelistic impact as the world observes a people consumed with God’s glory. Exalting His name together is the gathered church lifting, honoring, and showcasing the Lord’s unrivaled greatness so that He is seen, trusted, and enjoyed above all. |
    |