I Will Be Your God — Part 1: May 13, 2024

Broadcast

                      I Will Be Your God - Part 1
                             Ezekiel 36:22
                              05/13/2024


        22   Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says
             the Lord GOD: ''It is not for your sake, O house
             of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the
             sake of my holy name, which you have profaned
             among the nations to which you came.''  (ESV)

        Last Thursday the Church celebrated Jesus' ascension into
   heaven where He is at the right hand of God our heavenly Father.
   Before Jesus ascended, He gave His disciples clear instructions.
        And Jesus came and said to them, ``All authority in
        heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore
        and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
        the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
        Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
        commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the
        end of the age.''[1]


        Since that day, the Church has been built on Jesus Christ,
   His Words, and the Sacraments which He instituted to create and
   sustain our faith, and to bring us the forgiveness of our sins.
   This week's Old Testament lesson from the prophet Ezekiel speaks
   of God, for own Name's sake, cleansing His people from their
   sins.
        Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the
        Lord GOD: ''It is not for your sake, O house of Israel,
        that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy
        name, which you have profaned among the nations to
        which you came.''


        God's name includes everything He has revealed about
   Himself.  He is from everlasting to everlasting, almighty, all
   knowing, and all powerful.  This is why we pray, ``Hallowed by
   Thy name,'' because we desire that all people know the truth
   about our gracious God.  His actions reflect His character, which
   we acknowledge in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.

        May our Lord richly bless you with the comfort that comes
   from knowing His holy name.  Amen.
 ____________________

   1. Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)