THE GOD WHO DEFENDS HIS NAME

THE GOD WHO DEFENDS HIS NAME

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ezekiel 36:21-23 (KJV)
But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. 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. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

Supporting Texts: Psalm 23:3, Isaiah 48:9-11, Psalm 106:8, Daniel 9:18-19, 1 Samuel 12:22

INTRODUCTION:
God is deeply concerned about His name because His name represents His character, His glory, and His reputation. Throughout Scripture, we see that God often acts to preserve and defend His holy name when it is challenged or dishonoured. His name is not just a title; it embodies His nature, His promises, and His unchanging truth. When men attempt to discredit His power or when circumstances seem to cast doubt on His faithfulness, He arises to defend the honour of His name.

In Ezekiel 36, God made it clear that His actions towards Israel were not merely because they deserved mercy, but because His name had been profaned among the nations. The defence of His name is an act of divine jealousy — not jealousy born of insecurity, but jealousy born of holiness and covenant faithfulness. He will not allow His name to be dragged in the mud without responding to show His glory.

For the believer, this is both a comfort and a warning. It is a comfort because we know that God’s reputation is tied to His dealings with us, and He will not let His promises fail. It is a warning because our conduct can either honour or dishonour His name before the world. Today, we will explore how God defends His name and why that should build our confidence in Him.

1. GOD DEFENDS HIS NAME TO UPHOLD HIS GLORY
God will never share His glory with anyone or anything. His defence of His name ensures that His majesty remains unmatched.

a) God’s glory is incomparable (Isaiah 42:8)
He declares that He will not give His glory to another, nor His praise to idols.

b) His acts reveal His supremacy (Psalm 115:1)
When God works wonders, it is to magnify His name so that all glory returns to Him.

c) He acts so the nations will know He alone is God (Exodus 9:16)
Even in judgement, His goal is to make His name known across the earth.

d) God’s glory is tied to His covenant (1 Kings 8:56)
He defends His promises so that His faithfulness remains unquestionable.

Biblical Example: The deliverance of Israel from Egypt showed Pharaoh and the nations that God alone is the LORD (Exodus 14:18).

2. GOD DEFENDS HIS NAME FOR THE SAKE OF HIS PEOPLE
God’s name is attached to His covenant with His people; to let them perish would bring dishonour to His name.

a) He saves to protect His reputation (Psalm 106:8)
Israel’s deliverance from the Red Sea was for His name’s sake, not because of their merit.

b) His name is a refuge for His children (Proverbs 18:10)
The righteous run to His name and find safety because His name cannot fail.

c) He acts in mercy for His name’s sake (Isaiah 48:9)
Even when we are unfaithful, He delays judgement for the sake of His name.

d) His name is bound to His promises (1 Samuel 12:22)
He will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake.

Biblical Example: God spared Israel multiple times in the wilderness, not because they deserved it, but to protect His name before the nations (Numbers 14:13-19).

3. GOD DEFENDS HIS NAME AGAINST HIS ENEMIES
God will not allow the enemy to boast against Him or His people.

a) He destroys the plans of the enemy (Isaiah 8:10)
No weapon formed against God’s people can prosper, for His name is at stake.

b) He proves the enemy powerless (Psalm 46:9-10)
He makes wars cease and shows He is God over all nations.

c) He turns the enemy’s schemes into His glory (Genesis 50:20)
What the enemy means for evil, He transforms for the good of His name.

d) He silences mockery against His people (Micah 7:10)
Those who ridicule His children will witness His power in their deliverance.

Biblical Example: When Sennacherib mocked the God of Israel, the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night (2 Kings 19:32-37).

4. GOD DEFENDS HIS NAME TO ADVANCE HIS KINGDOM
The defence of His name is part of the advancement of His divine agenda on earth.

a) His name draws people to salvation (Acts 4:12)
The name of Jesus is the only name by which we can be saved.

b) His mighty acts inspire worship (Psalm 96:3-4)
The nations are called to declare His glory and recognise His supremacy.

c) His name is proclaimed through His people (Matthew 5:16)
As we live in obedience, we display His glory to the world.

d) His victories pave the way for the Gospel (Philippians 2:9-11)
Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

Biblical Example: The healing of the lame man in Acts 3 drew a crowd that heard Peter preach the Gospel, glorifying the name of Jesus.

CONCLUSION:
God is zealous for His name, and He will act to defend it in every situation. Whether it is delivering His people, silencing His enemies, or proving His glory, He ensures that His name remains holy and honoured. As believers, we must remember that our lives are a testimony to His name before the world. The way we live can either bring glory to His name or bring reproach to it.

Let us, therefore, live in a way that honours Him, trusting that in our moments of weakness, attack, or difficulty, the God who defends His name will rise on our behalf. When He acts, the world will know that He alone is the LORD.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in defending Your holy name.
2. LORD, let my life bring honour and glory to Your name.
3. O God, silence every voice that seeks to mock Your name in my life.
4. By Your power, destroy every plan of the enemy against my destiny.
5. LORD, let Your name be glorified in every area of my life.
6. Father, defend me for the sake of Your covenant promises.
7. Let every circumstance in my life proclaim that You are the only true God.
8. LORD, use my testimony to draw others to Your name.
9. Father, may I never bring reproach to Your holy name.
10. LORD, fight for me and show the world that You are my defender.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. God will arise to defend His name in your life.
2. Every enemy mocking you will witness your divine vindication.
3. God will fight for you because His name is upon you.
4. You will never suffer shame for the sake of His name.
5. The power of God will silence your accusers.
6. The name of the LORD will be your refuge and strength.
7. Every plan of the enemy against you will be overturned.
8. God will use your testimony to proclaim His glory.
9. Your life will be a living proof of God’s faithfulness.
10. His name will be magnified through your victories.