Introduction

‘And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ Philippians 2:8-11

In the 148th Psalm, the poetic writer made an earnest call to all creatures to praise their creator within their various capabilities: In verse 5 of this Psalm, the Psalmist says: ‘Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at His command they were created’. Again, in verse 13, he says: ‘Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendour is above the earth and the heavens’, Psalm 148:13.

The pronoun ‘them’ refers to all of God’s creation as indicated in Psalm 148:1-4 / Psalm 148:7-12. This Psalm and many other passages of God’s words show that God’s name is supreme and must be held in reverence. The name of the Lord deserves to be praised, honoured and magnified in all we say and do.

Solomon attributed strength (or potency) to the name of the Lord when in Proverbs 18:10 he describes the name of the Lord as a fortified tower, into which the righteous run and are saved. Christ Himself said the Father will be glorified if we ask …….in His name, John 14:13-15.

However today, the Lord’s name has been taken away from the government and from our schools. In several parts of the world, people are not allowed to pray.

Is the Lord’s name being taken away from the home of God’s people today as we are becoming too busy to pray and praise the glorious name of our Lord? Let’s think on these things and restore the name of the Lord back to our homes and our entire lives.

‘Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever—he issued a decree that will never pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendour is above the earth and the heavens. And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.’ Psalm 148

Prayer

Father, please forgive us for not acknowledging You enough in our lives. May we be strengthened to always trust in Your excellent name.