The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

HIS NAME’S SAKE

In this chapter, Samuel delivered his farewell speech to the Israelites and reminded the people of God’s faithfulness to them throughout history. He retold their journey from deliverance in Egypt and to the promised land (vv. 6 – 8). But he also reminded them of their faithlessness and the times they turned their backs on God (vv. 9 – 10). He explained that because they had now asked for a human king, they were once again demonstrating their lack of trust in God to provide for their needs. As they began to wise up about what they had done, they became afraid. But Samuel encouraged them by telling them that while they may have been faithless, God was still faithful. God would continue to love and accept them “for the sake of his great name.”

In ancient times, one’s name stood for one’s character. The name of God speaks of his reputation and attributes. For God to abandon his people would be inconsistent with his reputation for faithfulness. He would remain faithful to them by delivering on his promise to send a Messiah to redeem and restore his people. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes of Jesus, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2Ti 2:13). By sending Jesus, God the Father demonstrated that he never gives up on those he loves because he cannot disown his own character.

Jesus, thank you for being faithful even when I am faithless. Help me to live a life that brings glory to your reputation. Amen.