All the Glory
Good Morning,
Isaiah 42:8 “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”
Isaiah 48:11 “For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.”
God will often allow incredibly good things to enter into our lives; at other times, trials will come. We enjoy abundance, while others around the world see very little of what we call “blessings.”
Whatever we face, God wants the glory, thanks, and honor.
Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
God wants the “credit” or the “glory” as Isaiah wrote above. We are here to do what He wishes, to achieve His goals, and to accomplish things pleasing to the Lord. Way too often we invite God to bless, to provide the things we desire, and to help us accomplish the plans and goals we seek – that philosophy of thinking is backwards.
God is sovereign; God will achieve the things He determines to do, and the journey, as in the case of Jonah can be very difficult if we do not listen to His instructions. Sometimes, as in the case with Joseph, the situation can be difficult while being in the center of the will of God.
The important detail is that we strive to carry out God’s instructions the way He directed them to be done; leave the results to Him. We do not do what we do to be blessed or to prosper. We do what we do because it pleases Him.
When situations end well, God should receive the glory and thanks. When circumstances go wrong (in our minds), we still need to give God thanks and honor; for we are here for Him, not Him for us. Just as a good soldier, we are ready and at His service if the commander needs someone for a difficult mission. No one plans on dying when they put on the military uniform, but we do understand that some will give their lives after doing so. Is there any reason God could not ask us to suffer for His name’s sake? Then give Him the glory and thanks for using us.
Philippians 1:29 “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.”
In the temple, the priests were to keep the incense burning all the time; it was a picture of our prayers. Though blood sacrifices might not be as frequent as fresh bread, candles, and incense, all were a part of Old Testament worship. Our job is to be available, and to give God all the credit for His loving kindness and tender mercies.
As Job said, “…shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall not we receive evil?” (Job 2:10) Whatever He needs, may we be available and thankful.
Pastor