For His Name's Sake

Several weeks ago, our bible study leader, Chuck, asked us an important question:

"Why should you care about Israel?"

We went around the room, each person providing a biblically sound answer, but Chuck pointed out something none of us mentioned: the Lord's Holy name. He then asked us to turn to Ezekiel 36.

How does the the Lord's Holy name relate to Israel?

In Ezekiel 36:19-23 the Lord says:

19"Also I scattered them among the nations and they were dispersed throughout the lands According to their ways and their deeds I judged them.

20"When they came to the nations where they went, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, 'These are the people of the LORD; yet they have come out of His land.'

21"But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations where they went.

22"Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.

23"I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst Then the nations will know that I am the LORD," declares the Lord GOD, "when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight.

At this point, if I was listening to Ezekiel, I might be feeling a little scared of whatever wrath might be coming next, but look how the Lord says he's going to vindicate his holy name...

24"For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land.

... with Jewish Aliyah!

25"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.

26"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

27"I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.

... and Salvation!

28"You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.

... and one more reminder of Aliyah!

It is for the Lord's very own name sake that He brings Israel back into the Land. This statement holds true even today. The formation of Israel in 1948, after 2000 years of non-existence, is the Lord's work of proving Himself as holy. To stand against the existence of Israel, is to come against the holiness of God.


Be encouraged! We are truly blessed to be living in the day of the Lord!



callie m.


All bold text is my own emphasis.


Good Resources:
Go here for sermons by Chuck.

Related Posts:
Hosea 3

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