His Name Among the Nations

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts…

“For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. But you profane it when you say that the Lord’s table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. Cursed be the cheat who… sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.” Malachi 1:6-8,11-14

“Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations!” Psalm 46:10

“For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared,
    a great king over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2

From God came every nation on earth. He made man who birthed men who populated the earth, spreading out to fill its lands. And whether we see, acknowledge, understand, or desire it, He is Lord over all. No thought traipses unknown, no deception goes undetected, no activity escapes His gaze. He is worthy of our honor and best, and is not pleased when we skimp. His name is great! (Genesis 1:1,26-28; Psalm 139:1-4,13-16)

The Lord sets His affection on His own, calling us by name and granting us the privilege of bearing His. We are His light in our homes, communities, cities, and nations, holding out His word of life for all to hear and draw near, as Jesus came into the world to bear witness to the truth. His name is great! (Isaiah 43:1; Matthew 5:14-16; John 18:37)

The Lord is above any other god, greater and higher and incomparable. His name is above any other name, His power and wisdom unmatched. He is King of kings, and Lord of lords, limitless in perfection and glory. His name is great! (Psalm 135:5; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:15-16)

Almighty God, whose name is great, is, and will be, feared among the nations! How am I contributing to its exaltation? Do my choices fear Him more than man? Do I consider His honor when I recreate, spend, speak? How do my attitudes and countenance enhance, or stain, His reputation? (John 18:17,25-27)

When do I, and will I, regularly ponder the wonders of His name? (Revelation 19:1,6b-7a,11-16

Father, keep me in awe of and esteeming Your name, diligent to take it to heart to give honor to it in all I do and say. (Malachi 2:2,5-7;3:16-17)