The Greatness of Godਨਮੂਨਾ

Proclaiming His Name in all Nations

We are called to make God’s name great among the nations, why? Because there is power in His name to soften hard hearts, break down walls of division, restore relationships, and bring salvation to the lost. Over the next seven days, we will explore this invitation, reflecting on scripture that teaches us to proclaim His name and praying for the transformation of our lives, communities, cities, and our nations.

Solomon’s temple was the place where heaven met earth and God’s special presence rested. Jesus’ ministry and presence expanded the boundaries of the temple walls to encompass all of creation, just as it was in the beginning in the garden of Eden. Today, because of Jesus’ sacrifice and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are the New Temple; we are a people who carry the very presence of God (1Peter 2:4-5).

Though the Temple is no longer made of stone and mortar, the call to Israel imprinted on the pages of 2 Chronicles remains the same for us as the people of God, his flesh and bone Temple today. As we attune our ears to his voice and lift our eyes to seek his face, we can be confident he will meet us, as it says in verse 15, ‘now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.’ (2 Chronicles 7:15 NIV)

To help us come to Him wholeheartedly, we too can learn from God’s words to Solomon and begin by acknowledging the ways we have turned away. So, let’s take some time to pray and consider what may be stopping us from seeking God’s face and responding to His call.

Father, I ask you would reveal to me the ways I have turned away from You. I ask for your forgiveness for when I have not looked to you but to other things for comfort or for security. I am sorry for the ways I have allowed the voice of others to negatively shape my identity or doubt your goodness. Thank you that you hear my prayers, and that your mercy is new every morning. I choose to lift my gaze to meet your kind eyes, and still my mind to listen for your voice that defines me and calls me.
Amen.

Pause and reflect

The invitation is not only to be with and pray to God, but to join with Him in restoring creation to the way He intended it to be.

The word ‘enthroned’ in Psalm 22:3 can also be translated as ‘inhabits.’ When we respond to God’s call to come together as people called by His name, to declare His name over the nations, God will inhabit our praises.

There is something so compelling about the name of God, because it carries His very presence. The invitation to us is to declare His name in every nation and in every tongue so that all people would hear the good news of Jesus, and to pray so that we would see restoration in our nations. Today, we take hold of God’s promise to Solomon. We have humbled ourselves, said sorry for what we’ve done wrong, and now as we pray for our nations, God says, ‘I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.’ (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)

What name of God is needed to be heard in your part of the world? Take some time to meditate on one of the names below and speak it over your nation.

• Immanuel – God with us
• Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will Provide
• Jehovah Shalom - The Lord is Peace
• Jehovah Rapha – The Lord Who Heals
• Yahweh Shua (Yeshua) – The Lord Saves