Today’s Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 20:1-22:16
In the twenty-first century we don’t hear much about people protecting the honor of their name. Many may question, “What does that statement mean?”
To me, honoring my name means being a person of my word.
In today’s reading, our Heavenly Father shows the great lengths He will go to protect the honor of His name. To get the full magnitude of what He’s saying you will want to read all of Ezekiel, chapter 20. Basically the Lord is narrating His history with the Israelites to the prophet, Ezekiel.
“But they rebelled against me and would not listen. They did not get rid of the vile images they were obsessed with, or forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I threatened to pour out my fury on them to satisfy my anger while they were still in Egypt. I didn’t do it, for I acted to protect the honor of my name. I would not allow shame to be brought on my name among the surrounding nations who saw me reveal myself by bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. –Ezekiel 20:8-9
“But the people of Israel rebelled against me, and they refused to obey my decrees there in the wilderness. They wouldn’t obey my regulations even though obedience would have given them life. They also violated my Sabbath days. So I threatened to pour out my fury on them, and I made plans to utterly consume them in the wilderness. again I held back in order to protect the honor of my name before the nations who had seen my power in bringing Israel out of Egypt. –Ezekiel 20:13-14
“But their children, too, rebelled against me. They refused to keep my decrees and follow my regulations, even though obedience would have given them life. And they also violated my Sabbath days. So again I threatened to pour out my fury on them in the wilderness. I withdrew my judgment against them to protect the honor of my name before the nations that had seen my power in bringing them out of Egypt. –Ezekiel 20:21-22
- I didn’t do it
- I held back
- I withdrew my judgment
To protect the honor of My Name.
Friends, our Heavenly Father CANNOT go against His Word. This is why the Bible is such a treasure. We, mortal, human beings have all the promises of the One, True, Living God at our fingertips. If He said it, it will come to pass.
Let’s follow the example of our God and protect the honor of our name and the honor of His Name!
Heavenly Father, Your character and integrity are amazing! Lord, help me to realize that when I take on Your Name I make a daily choice either to honor or dishonor You. Lord, teach me how to honor Your Name. Convict me when I miss the mark. Encourage me when I get it right. Holy Spirit, stand guard over my mouth. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my hear be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer (Psalm 19:14).
In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!
© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 22:17-23:49; 2 Kings 24:20b-25:2; Jeremiah 52:3b-5; Jeremiah 39:1; Ezekiel 24:1-14
Hi Diane,
Just wanted to let you know that the devotions from Ezekiel have been exceptionally thought-provoking. I have been sharing your insights with several friends and we have all been convicted and changed by them. Thanks for your diligent study! Julie
Julie, thanks so much for your encouraging words! Every time get to these passages in the Bible I’m reminded why I love the chronological format and why I love reading the whole Bible–If I didn’t do it this way, I would miss so many of these powerful nuggets!
Blessings to you and yours!
My ex son-in-law is calling my daughter bad names and turning my 16 yr old grandson against his Mother and causing my grandson to have problems. I am a christian my self and I can tell you her ex is verbally abusive to her to the point of she don’t know what to do. I read this verse 2 Chronicles 20:15 and wondering if this verse is considered a battle I can use to help myself and my daughter. She has custody of her son.
Donna, thank you for stopping by “The Journey!” What a tough time you and your family are going through. Yes, I believe 2 Chronicles 20:15 applies to our earthly battles. Just remember that God’s battle strategy may be different from ours. Praying for you today!