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Hallowed Be Thy Name
Perry Toso

The first request we make in the Lord's prayer is that God's name would be kept holy. But, when does that happen?  In confirmation we learned Luther's answer:

"God's name is hallowed whenever his Word is taught in its truth and purity, and we as God's children live in harmony with it. Help us to do this, heavenly Father! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to the Word of God dishonors God's name among us. Keep us from doing this, heavenly Father!"

The day of testing may be coming to this congregation when this definitive choice will be neither theory, nor an abstraction, which takes place far from Creston, but will force its way into your experience. I hope that day does not come, because that day will divide us. Not everyone will want to confess the truth on that day. There will always be those who will ask whether, for the sake of peace, we should not "go along to get along."

But God's Word stands. It cuts to the "division of soul and spirit, of joint and marrow" (Heb 4:12). It rebukes our human ways. It blesses only honor and allegiance to Jesus Christ. It points to his death and resurrection alone for our salvation. God's Word is not subject to revision by the latest human opinion or ideology.

Serious questions are being asked about Salem Lutheran Church's spiritual strength and readiness for such an eventuality. Do we know what God's Word says? Can we give a reasoned answer to explain why we hold to the tradition of faith that has been passed on to us? Or, are we a flock of sheep ready to be driven this way or that, by each new wind of doctrine? (Eph. 4:14)

Literally, the only thing I have to give you in my office as Pastor, is the teaching and preaching of the Word. I have to believe that the Word of God is powerful enough to convince your heart of its truth. No human packaging or argument will avail at this level of effect. I have to believe also, that the Word of God is powerful enough to create and maintain the group of people who will confess and bear witness to the truth their hearts have experienced on that day.

Even if that day does force itself upon us we can literally trust that God's word alone will carry us through. Paul wrote to Timothy:

"Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers ... Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession ... O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you!" (I Tim. 4:16, 6:12, 6:20).

In this way, alone, will God's name be hallowed among us!

Rev. Perry Toso is the pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Creston, Iowa.

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