His Name’s Sake

“For my own name’s sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to cut you off. See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another.” (Isaiah 48:9–11, NIV 1984). 

My Musings – Seems like mankind is doing more and more to defame God’s name, giving glory to just about anyone or anything but Him.  For now, He has held back and delayed His wrath. He has not cut us off.  Why would He do this?  For His name’s sake.  “God’s name extols His character. His integrity, reputation, holiness, and even His glory are all closely linked to His name.” (https://israelmyglory.org/article/for-my-names-sake/). 

And what is His character and reputation?  In His own words, “the LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.” (Exodus 34:6–7, NIV 1984). I am convinced that even now, despite how far mankind has fallen, God desires to give compassion and grace.  To forgive our wickedness, rebellion and sin.  But while He is slow to anger, at some point He will unleash HIs wrath.  His integrity and holiness will demand it.

My Advice – Be one of those who receive His compassion and grace, not one who receives His anger and wrath.  It really is up to us what we receive.  He has given us the choice.  Many paths lead to His anger and wrath.  Only one leads to His compassion and grace. Do what you can to make sure you are not cut off.  Choose the one path.

Author: thebrewisamusing

I was raised in a Christian family and my earliest childhood memories include regular Sunday school and Church attendance as a family. I was taught that our Judeo-Christian values were not just a part of our Sunday routine they should be part of our character and influence all aspects of our lives. I was also taught that as important as these values were they could not save us. We must also be “born again” by accepting Christ. View all posts by thebrewisamusing