For His Name’s Sake

- 1 Samuel 12:22

INTRODUCTION

The Bible tells and also repeatedly proves that the Lord’s thoughts are not man’s thoughts, nor His ways, man’s ways (Isaiah 55:8-9 ). Most people assume the Lord’s actions are motivated almost solely because of His love for man. That may sound great, but the scriptural reality does not teach this. God works for His own glory and for His own name’s sake. The scriptural evidence for this truth is quite undeniable (see 1 Samuel 12:22
; Psalm 23:3
; Psalm 25:11
; Psalm 31:3
; Psalm 79:9
; Psalm 106:8
; Psalm 109:21
; Psalm 143:11
; Isaiah 48:9
; Jeremiah 14:7
; Ezekiel 20:9
, 14, 22, 44; Ezekiel 36:22
). Moses understood this truth and used it to stay the hand of the Lord when He desired to kill the people of God (read Numbers 14:13-16 ).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The children of Israel convinced Aaron to make the golden calf for worship. This made God angry enough to destroy His people. Read what Moses said to stay God's hand (Exodus 32:7-14 ).
• (For everyone): Why is it actually better for us that the Lord’s motive is more about Himself than about us? How willing is the Lord to mar the reputation of His name?
• How is the Lord’s name at stake in the working of your salvation? How is it at stake in His daily provision and working in your life?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to work in your heart for His name’s sake.
• Thank God for taking such a great interest in your life.