Public Opinion

And when my Temple is among them forever, the nations will know that I am the Lord, who makes Israel holy.” [Ezekiel 37.28]

This scripure and several that follow in today's OYCB reading indicate that God has His own reputation in mind.

It seems that God really is interested in public opinion!

What does God want the world to know about Himself?

Well, God wants the world to know that He is YAHWEH (the LORD). What does that mean? He is the beginning and the end. He is not only holy, but Holiness itself. He wants the world to know that He is in control and that He is subject to no natural laws. He is the Creator - the Originator of All. He is God Almighty. The Bible is clear that God is a lot of things: our righteousness, our sanctifier, our peace, present with us, our healer, our provider, our shepherd, our banner, our forgiver, our advocate, our refuge, our strength, our defender, our protector, our fortress, and our shield...  just to name a few!

So why don't we see this about God today?

It is probably because, for now, like Israel, God's people are suffering the consequences of their faithlessness. In this Age of Grace, the faithlessness of God's people is seen in their improper estimation of Jesus Christ and the life of ministry He modeled. In other words, God's people are largely not walking/living by faith - at least not the faith Jesus demonstrated. Sure, people claim faith... But the faith Jesus talked about moves mountains, heals the sick, raises the dead!

So for now, the consequences of their faithlessness makes God's people look just like the rest of the world - powerless.

But the day is coming when God will turn His attention, as He always has in the past, to protecting the honor of His name. If God's people don't do it, God WILL honor His name... 

The Church would do well to repent of unbelief and get to honoring God!

Father, forgive me for not glorifying Your name - for not showing the world all that You are and all that You do for those who are Your own!