Matthew 6:9 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”.
To hallow the name is to worship the Lord God as ‘Adonai’. The name Adonai in Hebrew means the supreme “Lord”, “Ruler or “King” over the universe. Adonai in the Hebrew language is derived from the word “Sovereign”. Jews do not find themselves worthy to utter the name of “Yahweh” hence they replaced it with ‘Adonai’ when they read the scriptures. Therefore, we find the names “Yahweh” and “Adonai” paired together in the Bible. “He will swallow up death forever; and the [Adonai] Yahweh will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth.” (Isaiah 25:8). The name Adonai is found more the 400 times in the Bible.
To honour and hallow His name as Adonai is addressing Him as our Lord and King. Prophet Isaiah was disheartened and discouraged at the death of King Uzziah. Uzziah was one of the great kings of Judah who ruled for approximately 52 years. Uzziah succeeded in expanding the kingdom by acquisitions. He commissioned desert reclamation by water conservation program. He was creative, innovative and successful. But the mourning of the prophet soon turned into adulation when the Lord God, Adonai appeared to him seated on the throne as the Ruler of the cosmos. In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw Adonai high and exalted, seated on a throne! (Isaiah 6:1).
Our reverence to the Lord God as Adonai turns our eyes to the throne of heaven. I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven (Psalm 123:1). Looking up to the throne of God will change our gory groans to glorious praise.
Adonai – ‘The Lord and Ruler of All”:
1. Reign: “It doesn’t matter who is in the White House, all that matters is WHO is on the THRONE!” The changes in the ruling government, policies or powers will not make us shudder in fear as long as we exalt King Jesus as Adonai over our lives. The Lord reigns over all earthly thrones and demonic powers.
2. Raise: Elevation, increase and promotion comes only from the Lord. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, Nor from the south. But God is the judge (Psalm 75:6-7b). He is Adonai, He is Sovereign over governments, authorities and dominions.
3. Rule: Adonai has the final word on any issue. “ADONAI, God of our ancestors, you alone are God in heaven. You rule all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and strength, so that no one can withstand you (2 Chronicles 20:6).
Hallow Adonai. As long as Adonai is on the throne of our hearts no earthly influences or demonic dominions can overpower us. Adonai is Sovereign over all.
Psalm 103:19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
Prayer: Adonai, Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth, rule and reign over me. Amen.
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