I do confess that I never really understood the following verse from Psalm (23:3). He leads me into the path of righteousness for his name’s sake. Why for his name’s sake? Even in the prayer Jesus used to teach, he says Father hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9). There are many references to God saving and blessing for his name’s sake. But what does this mean? The blessing that God gave the Israelites in Numbers states that God has put his name upon them, and he blessed them.

Psalm 106 is a beautiful account of God saving his people and his patient mercy for them. It says that even though they did not remember his mercies and they provoked him, he saved them for his name’s sake. Similarly, Ezekiel says that God saved his people because of his name’s sake. John says your sins are forgiven because of his name’s sake.

Ezekiel 36:22

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.

1 John 2:12

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

There is this account in Exodus of God wanting to destroy the people because of their stubbornness (Exodus 32:11-12). But Moses points out that if God were to destroy his people because of their stubbornness then what would the Egyptians say about this God? God has saved his people many times for his name’s sake. This is his reputation but why is this important? God does not need any of this for his sake but it’s for all the nations who do not know him. It is for them to see that he is a good and loving God.

In Isaiah, God said that all who are called by his name have been created for his glory.

Isaiah 43:7

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

He wants all people and nations to see who He is through his people. His people carry his name and so they must represent him so that others can see that he is a good God and want this too. He wants us to be obedient so that others can see and know who God is. He calls us to be different like Him so the world will notice and see the love of God. Paul was called to bear his name to the Gentiles and so are we (Acts 9:15-16).

We are all baptized into his name and now we must represent him not just for ourselves but for all people who see and interact with us.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

I remember when I was first saved and there were many people that God placed in my life that represented his name exceptionally. I remember observing how these people loved God so intensely and in the same way they were able to show me the love of God in such a warm and welcoming way even though I was an outsider. This was different from anything I ever knew. And I wanted it. I am so grateful for these people who served God obediently and this has caused so many to come to the Lord including me.

We are called

to be his people

to bear his name

to show who God is by our relationship with him

so that perhaps it will draw others to Him.

So let us be obedient for his name’s sake and pray that they see and come.