Daily Devotional for Tuesday, August 9

Saved for His Name’s Sake

We have all probably heard the phrase, “those who forget the past are likely to repeat it.” In Psalm 106, the psalmist recounts a brief summary of some of the highs and lows experienced by the Israelites over their history. You may be familiar with this. God would rescue them, then they would rejoice and praise Him. Eventually, the people would turn away, and God would have to deal with them as a parent and bring them back in line. This cycle was repeated over and over for centuries. In fact, this cycle continues, as you do the very same thing today! You have to ask yourself why God even bothers with you. 

Today’s verse answers the question very directly. While salvation is a wonderful gift, its meaning to you is not the real point. God brings you out of bondage, just as He did the Israelites, to show His mighty power and to be made known. God’s willingness to save you, despite yourself, is a wonderful illustration of His love, power and glory. Someday, His restoration of all things will amaze and awe the entire universe. 

There is more to this story. While restoring sinners to Himself is a wonderful display of His attributes, salvation is not the whole story. God did not take the Israelites out of bondage and immediately bring them home to Heaven. He does not do that with you, either. He brought them out with the expectation that they would live in such a way that it would bring Him honor and glory for the entire world to see. That is what He wants from you as well. Do you bring honor and glory to God?

JUST A THOUGHT: While works do not contribute a thing to your salvation, they certainly show it to the world around you.

Wally Fry