August 21st~To the Honor of His Name

Ezekiel 20:1-22:16

The Lord gave Ezekiel more prophecies about the approaching threat of the Babylonians and the destruction of Israel. It seems that we have read similar passages for quite some time now, so many that it may be tempting to skip over them. However, it is in passages like these that we usually find something hidden and helpful.

Repeated several times in our passage today was the phrase, “To protect the honor of My name.” God was describing His desire to punish His people for their idol worship while they were in Egypt, but He didn’t do it to protect the honor of His name (20:9). He wanted to destroy them for their rebellion in the desert, but He didn’t do it to protect the honor of His name (20:14). Finally, He has wanted to destroy His people in the Promised Land for their neglect of their covenant and its laws, but He didn’t do to protect the honor of His name (20:22).

We find similar passages all throughout the Old and New Testaments. For example, God said to Isaiah, “Yet for My own sake and for the honor of My name, I will hold back My anger and not wipe you out. I will rescue you for My sake, yes, for My own sake! I will not let My reputation be tarnished and I will not share My glory with idols!” (48:9, 11).

No one is more zealous to bring honor to the Lord’s name than He is. He made all things to bring honor to His name (Psalm 19:1). He chose Israel to be His special nation, to bring honor to His name (Jeremiah 13:11). He sent Jesus to bring honor to His name (John 7:18). We, too, were chosen, before the foundation of the world, to bring honor to His name (Ephesians 1:4-6). He instructs us to do all things for the honor of His name (1 Corinthians 10:31). Truth be told, there is no other name but His that is worthy of such honor.

Daily Reflection

The name of a person involves more than that by which he is called, his identity. A person’s name is synonymous with his character. Wherever his name goes, there goes his reputation. Attached to a name is one’s nature, attributes, qualities, and honor. One’s name might bring to mind his strengths or weaknesses, depending on our interaction with him. That’s why Solomon wrote, “A good name is to be desired more than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1).

The Lord’s name is holy, righteous, and perfect. His character has no deficiencies, and His nature is lacking in nothing. No one can have a better name than our God. However, His reputation is marred by those with whom He associates, those with whom He has covenanted with. Those who bear His name can either bring Him honor or dishonor, depending on their actions. While He makes decisions that bring Him honor, they may make decisions that bring dishonor.

In light of this truth, the third commandment becomes much clearer, “Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:7). Other translations say it this way, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” While we tend to think of this verse in relation to our speech, its meaning includes much more. The word for “take” here is the word for “carry.” We are not to carry the Lord’s name in a way that dishonors Him. To bear the name of Christ yet do something that is unbiblical or un-Christian is to take the Lord’s name in vain. It is to be Christian in name only.

Are you carrying the Lord’s name with honor or dishonor? Do your thoughts, your words, and your actions align with His? Are you carrying out His agenda, His mission, His purposes, or your own? The Lord is zealous to protect the honor of His name. Are you?

BiAY.org | Day 233 — 132 Days to Go