file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941016.txt
-------------------------------------------------------


OUR DAILY BREAD                  Sunday, October 16, 1994
---------------
READ: Ezekiel 36:16-25


                  "FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE"

             I will sanctify my great name,
        which has been profaned among the nations.


                    - Ezekiel 36:23


In a New York Times interview, a widely recognized man
voiced his displeasure with a fast-food chain in whose TV
commercials he had appeared. He felt that the quality of
some of the items he advertised had been diminishing. Since
people associated his name with the product, he didn't want
the corporation's lowered standards to damage his own name.

The Lord is also jealous for His name. In Ezekiel 36, He
declared that He had been disgraced by the rebellious prac-
tices of His chosen people Israel. They had "profaned" His
name among the nations (v.21).

The same thing happens today when we as Christians live in
disobedience to the Lord. Our sinful actions reflect poorly
on Him. We're not just hurting our own reputation when we
fail to live up to God's holy standards - we're giving un-
believers an excuse for their low opinion of Him.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus carefully protected the
name of His heavenly Father. If we fall short of His exam-
ple, we can be sure that the Lord will keep His promise to
discipline His people for His "holy name's sake" (v.22).
God's jealousy for His character should motivate us to live
more faithfully for Him.

Let's live for the Lord - for His name's sake.


Author: Martin R. De Haan II

        His name above all names shall stand,
        Exalted more and more,
        At God the Father's own right hand,
        Where angel-hosts adore.

                                           - Clark


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
-------------------
We honor God's name when we call him our Father
   and live as obedient children.


The Bible in One Year: Matthew 5-7

------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio
Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written per-
mission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or
distribution. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources,
which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or
denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members
and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-
7221
------------------------------------------------------------