For the sake of His name

 We have so much in this world to be thankful for, amen? We could cite the peace and the freedom we enjoy every day in this great country. Compared to most of the world we are so blessed and prosperous. Thank God for America! We could also mention the spectacular beauty of the fall colors. The clean, crispy air of the brilliant blue sky framing the explosion of colors among the trees which must inspire even Crayola! Thank God for His magnificent creation! We would all easily agree that our family is yet another reason for being thankful. Being “home for the holidays” is a treasure worthy of our heartfelt gratitude. Thank God for families.  The Bible says, “For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.” 1Samuel12:22.   And  “…through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name's sake; among whom are ye also called to be Jesus Christ’s”.  Romans 1:5 .
          It was the will of God to call Israel “His people”. He chose them based upon the great faith of men with whom He called and who obeyed, men such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses. God promised that He would never forsake His people “for His great name’s sake..”. His name is great and it is worthy, like none other. Paul understood this and was equally moved to record this truth. We were called through His word to believe in Jesus and “for His name’s sake” become as John 13:1 says, “one of His own”.    God is identified by many names throughout the Bible. The Lord, Jehovah, Yahweh, and the Almighty to name a few.  However, the incarnate God was given the name Jesus. This is the name of a person, a friend, a brother, and that is how He sees us, intimate, personal and as family.  We know Him not through hazy, mystical folklore nor manmade mythological tales. We see Him clearly and He has told us exactly who He is, and what His name is. I am most thankful, this holiday season, that we have a living and personal God who loves us that way and who wants us to know Him as a father knows his own son.  We are His people! He will never forsake us!  Is there a better reason to show our gratitude to Him than knowing He loves His own and will always be with us?  There is no other name more important, more Holy or more powerful than the name of the Lord, Jesus.  We are saved by the authority of His name. Men are healed by the power in His name. The saints testify to the world their submission to Him by the praise of His name. We will “see His face and His name will be written upon our foreheads”. (Rev 22:4)  Let us be reminded to give thanks to the Lord for the name of Jesus. There’s just something about that name. ​