The Daily Fountain Devotional 5th May 2020 for Anglican Communion
Topic: God’s Concern for His Name
Scripture: Ezekiel 36:16-23
The Daily Fountain Devotional 5th May 2020 Message:
There is a basic truth in today’s passage- God is concerned for His reputation or His Holy Name. God chose Israel to serve as His oracle, to make Him known to the world, but Israel failed. They behaved like the neighbouring heathen nations in blood-shedding and idolatry. They were therefore banished. But their banishment was misconstrued by the unbelieving nations as; (1) Proof of God’s inability to keep His people (v.20). (2) As the superiority of the conquerors’ god over the Israelites’ God (Isa. 48:11). (3)
Many Israelites in scattered locations behaved poorlyand this brought dishonour to Jehovah and His Holy Name (v.21). God would therefore restore Israel, not because they deserved it but for His Name’s sake. Israel’s restoration would first demand her repentance by God’s grace (Phil. 2:13) and this restores God’s glory before the heathen nations.
Christians should not abuse God’s grace by behaving like unbelievers- indulging in bloodshed, idolatry and worldliness. God’s Name is Holy and they that identify with Him must depart from iniquity. God is holy; He demands holiness from us (Lev. 19:2).
The gods of unbelievers are unholy, hence their unholy lifestyle. We must not give cause for God’s Name to be mocked by unbelievers.
Meditate: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Today’s Prayer
Keep me shining Lord in my life so that You will be glorified in me.