Series Introduction:  Why would a God of unimaginable holiness, power and wonder, allow a fallible bunch of people to carry his name? God first did this when he chose the Hebrew people to be his chaplains to the world. Now God continues to do so by allowing us, who are Christ’s church, to do things of eternal significance in his name. So, let’s explore together what it means to “carry his name.”

Reflection: The Bible tells us that the followers of Jesus’ way were first called “Christians” in Antioch, a city 480 kilometres north of Jerusalem on the river Orontes (Acts 11:26). When this happened, they, in a very real way, carried the name of Christ. The same is true for you. If you are a Christian, you carry God’s name — Christian.

Today’s verse contains a promise to those who ‘revere’ God’s name. It says that two things will happen as a result. The first is that God’s adopted people will no longer have a reputation for being morally corrupt but would be transformed into people who are known for their righteousness. The second follows on from this and it is the promise that all things that are sick in their society would be healed.

Wow! If ever we needed these two promises, it is today. But if change is to come, it has to begin with a choice to revere God’s name.

Today’s verse comes from Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament. The very next book in the Bible will go on to tell of God coming to us as Jesus. Significantly, Jesus is described as the one who will bring light (John 8:12) and healing (physical healing or ultimate healing in God’s eternal kingdom).

So, if you hunger for either of these things, come to God with humility and revere his name.

Prayer:  Dear Father, my heart’s desire is to honour your name. I choose to do this because it is right — pure and simple. But I also do so because I need your light to live by, and I need healing for the broken places in my life.