My devotional book is written by several great preachers. The editor of this book assembled them according to the Scripture reference each one used. Today’s verse is used nine times with nine approaches to the importance of its truths.
Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power. (Psalm 106:8)
For today, Ralph Erskine focuses on the power of God to
save for his name’s sake no matter how much sin a person may be guilty of, or
how many grievous provocations and impediments have been put in God’s way. Most
of what Erskine writes is repeated here, for no other reason than it is such a
great encouragement, first to my own sorry state, but also when applied to the not
yet saved people on my prayer list.
God can save for His name’s sake even those in gross darkness and fearful ignorance. “It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God’ ” (John 6:45).
He can save for His name’s sake even those who have refused
Him, resisted His many calls, and slighted many opportunities. “All day long I
have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people” (Romans 10:21).
After many refusals, the Lord still stands with open arms to receive all
comers.
He can save for His name’s sake regardless of unparalleled
wickedness. What if there is no sinner like me? What if I call myself the chief
of sinners as did Paul the Apostle? No matter, for He can save for His name’s
sake —because there is no Savior like Him. Should any unbelieving heart suggest
there is no salvation for someone as bad as I am, Micah 7:18 is the answer:
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18–19)
Our God can save for His name’s sake in spite of high mountains
of sin or misery that seem to block His saving power, even hardness of heart
and innumerable barriers like atheism, unbelief, deadness, and security placed
in other things, even other gods. Our God who blesses for His name’s sake can
take away any heart of stone and give the heart of flesh. He can out of stones
raise up children for Abraham. He can save for His name’s sake despite nameless
afflictions, nameless objections that nothing in the world can address or even
mention, far less remove. The obstacles standing in the way of salvation might
be out of sight as far as I am concerned, but God can see them. He is
omniscient, knows all – and omnipotent, can do all and save anyone — for His
name’s sake.
He saves by faith, but what of those who doubt? God says
in His Word that He can save, even remove negative thoughts of Him and make
known His goodwill toward doubters. He is more willing to save than anyone is willing
to be saved. It is the will of Almighty God to save sinners, pushing aside thousands
and millions of objections, that He might make known His mighty power and His
great love for us.
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