When God Defends His Reputation

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, October 12, 2022
For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it. For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.
Isaiah 48:11 (NKJV)

King Solomon observed, a good name is better than great riches or precious ointment (See Proverbs 22:1 & 7:1). That is why we have laws against libel and slander.

Our Creator, too, cares about His reputation. Yes. It matters to God how we perceive Him. He has a Name to protect. If we understand this fact and exploit it, we will become victors in temporal and spiritual spheres.

What Will the Egyptians Say About You?

When the Israelites rebelled against God by creating and worshipping a golden calf, the Lord told Moses, “…let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.” (Exodus 32:10).

Moses would hear none of it. He pleaded with God: “Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people.” (Verse 12).

Do Not Let Man Prevail Against You

Moses is telling God, “It is Your reputation that will suffer if you destroy the people you delivered from Egypt. How did the Lord react to this challenge? He changed His mind and did not destroy the Israelites.

Similarly, when one million Ethiopian soldiers threatened to attack and destroy Jerusalem, the King Asa prayed, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!” (2 Chronicles 14:11).

For My Own Sake, I Will Do It

Because God will never allow human beings to prevail against Him, He helped Asa and Judah to defeat the enemy. Through Prophet Isaiah, the Lord affirms, “For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it. For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.” (Isaiah 48:11).

Because God protects His reputation, He helps us to win spiritual battles. For His Name’s sake, God blesses us with materials wealth. Our prosperity is His joy. When we fail, He feels the pain because we are His children.

When God Defends His Reputation

God is interested in your wellbeing because human beings judge Him based on how He treats His children. He tells us, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2).

Today, if you feel like giving up because of your sinfulness or because trials weigh heavily on you, remember God has a reputation to defend. For His own sake, He will forgive you, heal you, help you and save you if you will reach out for His help.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You because I am Your precious child, and for Your own sake, You want me to thrive in all aspects of my life.