August 21
Ezekiel 20:1-22:16
Have you ever missed an ingredient in a recipe, and it just did not taste right? Similarly, when we miss aspects of God’s character, it should not feel right. We need to understand fully who God is to be able to respond to him rightly. Ezekiel wanted the “elders of Israel” to know God’s character, so he recounted the Exodus. The phrase “for the sake of my name” is repeated three times in Ezekiel 20 and never elsewhere in the Bible. It teaches us God always operates for his glory. It is first used in verse 9, when rather than God pouring out his wrath, he brought Israel out of Egypt. It is then used in verse 14, when rather than pouring out his wrath in the wilderness, he brought their children into the Promised Land. Finally, it is used in verse 22 when God did not pour out his wrath on the nation; instead he allowed them to live.
God wanted his reputation to be known throughout the world, so he poured out his grace on Israel so that the nations of the world might see and believe. Even amid judgment, God operates in grace, love, compassion, and for his glory. Sometimes there may be confusing circumstances in our lives, but we can trust God is always working for the sake of his name, for his glory, and for our good. We can rely on him and rest in him because of his character.
Father God, thank you that you always do what is best, even when it is not in accordance with what I want. Help me to trust you and live for the sake of your name. Amen.
God always acts "for the sake of [his] name.” What does this teach you about God?
Have you ever missed an ingredient in a recipe, and it just did not taste right? Similarly, when we miss aspects of God’s character, it should not feel right. We need to understand fully who God is to be able to respond to him rightly. Ezekiel wanted the “elders of Israel” to know God’s character, so he recounted the Exodus. The phrase “for the sake of my name” is repeated three times in Ezekiel 20 and never elsewhere in the Bible. It teaches us God always operates for his glory. It is first used in verse 9, when rather than God pouring out his wrath, he brought Israel out of Egypt. It is then used in verse 14, when rather than pouring out his wrath in the wilderness, he brought their children into the Promised Land. Finally, it is used in verse 22 when God did not pour out his wrath on the nation; instead he allowed them to live.
God wanted his reputation to be known throughout the world, so he poured out his grace on Israel so that the nations of the world might see and believe. Even amid judgment, God operates in grace, love, compassion, and for his glory. Sometimes there may be confusing circumstances in our lives, but we can trust God is always working for the sake of his name, for his glory, and for our good. We can rely on him and rest in him because of his character.
Father God, thank you that you always do what is best, even when it is not in accordance with what I want. Help me to trust you and live for the sake of your name. Amen.
God always acts "for the sake of [his] name.” What does this teach you about God?
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