Why me? Why anyone?

 

God saves sinners by grace through the merits of a Substitute, but why? As a friend says, we are saved in a moment, then spend the rest of our lives trying to figure out what happened — or why it happened.

God had no mercy upon the angels that fell. Many of His chosen were destroyed in the holocaust. Not everyone we share Christ with accepts Him. Why is God gracious to me? I did nothing nor have anything in myself that deserves it, only that the Bible says “He has mercy on whom he will have mercy.” Otherwise we would die in our sin.

He saved and changed me so I would bless Him. Some say that word can mean “be well spoken of” so to bless God is about praise. I cannot add anything to His majesty but I can speak well of Him and totally trust Him, believing all that He says. I can also make the wonder of who He is known to others. Yet this does not answer the question “why me?”

Scripture gives no reason. The OT says this of His choice for Israel:

Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power. (Psalm 106:8)
It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. . . . (Deuteronomy 7:7–10)

The Nt tells of His blessings in Ephesians 1:3–14, but is silent about the ‘why’ of His choices only this:

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:26–29)

God only says His reasoning is not about my merit, but about His will — and He does not explain that!

What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?”
But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory — even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? (Romans 9:14–24)

PRAY: I cannot answer my question, but I can say with the psalmist, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes. . . .” (Psalm 8:1–9) I can praise You, knowing that Your way is gracious and Your choices fit the wonder of who You are — much more than mere mortals can fully understand. For that, I can repeat, O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

The all-inclusive Name of the Lord

Familiar words: “Call somebody and get it fixed.” But who do I call?

On my way to the Yellow Pages, I’m thinking about the nature of the problem. I don’t call a carpet layer if the roof is leaking. I don’t call a plumber if my stove is not working.

As I find the right category of help, then there is the issue of picking the right somebody. Will it be someone in my part of town? Someone well-known? Someone we have relied on prior to this particular problem? Calling somebody to get it fixed isn’t always easy. It certainly isn’t as easy as prayer.

Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power. (Psalm 106:8)

In today’s final entry using this verse, Ralph Erskine writes about calling on God when I have needs or problems. I don’t resort to the Yellow Pages, but it does help to figure out the nature of the problem. However, at times, I just cry out “help me” and know that He hears that call and knows what I need.

The Lord God saved me for His name’s sake, and God has many names. Because of who He is, I can admire His goodness and praise His name for His mercy, truth, faithfulness and so great a salvation.

All that is true and helpful for praise, yet He has a name that suits every plea for help. If I need wonders to be performed, His name is Wonderful. If I need counsel and direction, His name is Counselor. If I have big problems, then His name is Almighty God. If I need fatherly pity, His name is Everlasting Father. When I need peace — external, internal, or eternal — His name is the Prince of Peace. If I need healing, His name is Jehovah-Rophi, the Lord who heals. 

I always need goodness to fill my lack of it, and His name is Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness. Whenever I need defense and protection, His name is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord our banner. If I need provision in any extreme way, His name is Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord will provide.

Some needs require asking yet a few are always met without asking — the need of His presence, for example. His name is Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is there and Immanuel, God with us. He will never leave me or forsake me.

I can count on Him to listen also, because His name is the Hearer of prayer. I can rely on Him when I am weak (which is all the time) because His name is the Strength of Israel. He will comfort me because His name is the Consolation of Israel and shelter me because His name is the City of Refuge.

If I have nothing and need everything, then He is my All in All. He has a name suitable to supply all that I need. He has wisdom to guide me, power to keep me, mercy to pity me, truth to shield me, holiness to sanctify me, righteousness to justify me, grace to bless me, and glory to crown me. I can trust in Him because He saves for His name’s sake.

God’s Motive for Salvation

Last week to clear myself, I explained details about an incident to someone who had misunderstood me. I hate being misunderstood. This makes me wonder how many acts of God are done to clarify Himself, to clear up any misunderstanding we have about who He is?

For instance, if a person does something against the will of God, they might feel like He will send a bolt of lightning to correct them, but He doesn’t. Instead, sends His Son to sacrifice Himself for sin and to offer forgiveness. What does that say about the nature and character of God? He hates sin and it must be punished, but He loves sinners and wants a personal relationship with us. The only solution is a fitting substitute who will willingly take our place, a substitute that satisfies Him and is willing to do it.

But He cannot offer a salvation like this for our sakes. We don’t deserve it. Instead, He does it for His own names sake, so that we can clearly understand who He is.

Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power. (Psalm 106:8)

If God did not save people for His own sake, no one would be saved. The best and most moral person on earth does not deserve mercy. We all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) because everyone sins. Even relying on my own righteousness is a sin. Consider an omelet made of all good eggs except one. That one egg ruins the entire omelet, just as one sin ruins any hope that I could measure up to God’s standard.

He saves for His name’s sake that I might hope in His name, turn to Him for mercy and grace. I might fear Him more if He showed no mercy and offered no forgiveness, but then my fear would be like the fear of a demon, a fear of despair without repentance and faith. No one could trust in Him if He did not save for His name’s sake.

He saves for His name’s sake so I can adore His name and praise His mercy. What an awesome God who can show grace when nothing is deserved but misery and guilt! Knowing I am sinful is humbling, yet knowing my God forgives and saves me anyway is more humbling. What can I do but praise His name?

The Lord saves for His own sake. When I run to Him, I am without excuse for what I have done, but salvation isn’t about my efforts or any lack of trying; it is about His grace. If I could earn my salvation with my own righteousness, I would not need Him and pride would rule my life.

On the other hand, if nothing that I do could earn favor with God and if my best efforts to be righteous deserve damnation, then there is no escaping His wrath. I would sink into the pit of sin without hope and in great despair and self-pity. Either way, the focus is on me and not Him.

Why does God save me or anyone else? He saves for His own name’s sake that He might be glorified and that my pride, arrogance and self-pity be put where they belong. He alone deserves to be exalted. Saving for His own name’s sake suits His nature and character, and it clearly reveals who He is.

It is for this reason that He saved me.

God saves sinners of whom I am chief…

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.

Respect for God’s Name

The third commandment says we are not to take the name of the Lord in vain. This is not just cursing, but includes any careless use, including that omg thing that is now a trademark and the title of a production. Many Christians wince every time they hear it.

Yet right off, I have no claim to be above anyone else. God says those who break one of His commands is guilty of all. That is, His laws are considered as one command; to love Him with all our heart, soul and strength. When we ignore Him or shake our fists in His face, He sees the attitude of our hearts. Any breach of any commandment carries the same designation; it is sin and the Word of God is clear: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

As for taking the name of God in vain, it happens because He is not valued. Most of humanity puts some value in a name. It identifies who we are. We want our name cleared when accused, and spelled correctly when put in writing. In the Old Testament, names designated character and the hopes parents had for their children when they were first named. Any old name will not do for someone we value.

The name of God also identifies who He is, and because He has many names, this indicates His multi-faceted character. The Bible says that He does many things for His name’s sake. One of them is saving people from sin.

Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power. (Psalm 106:8)

This is one reason that those who are saved must declare their faith, particularly in a manner that makes known God’s power. That power isn’t making nice people nicer, but takes sinners from the depth of our sin and rebellion against Him and changes our hearts. Instead of shaking my fist at Him, I can now lift my hands in praise, and often in pleading. He alone can do for me what I cannot do for myself.

When I hear people curse, it tells me the condition of their heart. They hate God and refuse to give Him respect and honor. When I hear people carelessly say His name as part of their casual conversation, they reveal that they know nothing of His saving power and holiness. Note again, God saved me for His name’s sake, meaning my life should display His power, not be lived for my own glory.

That said, we who belong to God can also treat the name of God lightly. This commandment was given to us, issued right after God rescued Israel from bondage in Egypt. Yet they still resisted Him (and so do we).

But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not walk in my statutes but rejected my rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live; and my Sabbaths they greatly profaned. Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them in the wilderness, to make a full end of them.

Like me, they deserved the wrath of God. They were not thankful, never mind obedient. God had no reason not to destroy them, except the mercy motivated by His name.

But I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I had brought them out. Moreover, I swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land that I had given them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most glorious of all lands, because they rejected my rules and did not walk in my statutes, and profaned my Sabbaths; for their heart went after their idols. Nevertheless, my eye spared them, and I did not destroy them or make a full end of them in the wilderness. (Ezekiel 20:13–17)

These rebels never entered the fullness of life in the promised land (which represents Spirit-filled living, not heaven) because they had no respect for His name. Whether I curse God or carelessly say something like omg, I would also show no respect for Him, revealing that my heart is not right. Such sin and carelessness calls for confession and repentance. His name is powerful. I wouldn’t lightly toss around a stick of dynamite or play with a bolt of lightning. How much more should I respect His powerful Name.

Motivated by the glory of His name

From children to seniors, people avoid the topic of motivation. When asked why we do something, the answer is often a shrug of the shoulders, or a blurry, “Because I wanted to.” God isn’t like that. His reasons are clear.

Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power. (Psalm 106:8)

When the Bible says God saves sinners for his name’s sake, it means that His name is His motivation. He grants grace, forgiveness and mercy because He is who He is, and for no other reason.

We tend to think that God saves because of something we do, or something He sees in us, or even that He foresees what good people we could be, but the Bible says otherwise. God loves sinners because He loves them. His sovereign mercy is the only cause behind His showing of mercy.

For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” (Romans 9:15)

Not only is His name the reason why He saves, it is also the means of salvation. If we look to Him and call on His name, we are saved. When elderly Simon saw the infant Jesus, he said, “My eyes have seen your salvation,” (Luke 2:30).

Jesus affirmed this later by saying, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Peter preached the same good news, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

His name is the measure of our salvation, bringing salvation as far as His name and honor to His name is heard and exercised. His name is also the goal. He grants us salvation that we might praise His excellencies.

… even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace… (Ephesians 1:4–6)

Jesus’ great prayer of John 17 puts emphasis on glory to His name. Salvation is not about me, not about us. It is about the glory of God and the wonder of His great name.