Giving Credit
But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made Myself known to them by bringing them out of the land of Egypt. Ezekiel 20:9 NASB
For the sake of My name – Moses must have been miffed. By the time the incident of golden bull was over (Exodus 32), Moses convinces the Lord to spare Israel because of His covenant with the patriarchs. Specifically, Moses argues that God’s name will be diminished if He should destroy Israel. On the basis of this argument, God relents. Israel is spared.
But when God recalls this incident through Ezekiel, Moses gets none of the credit. “I acted for the sake of My name” says nothing about Moses’ brilliant strategy and his successful argument. Suddenly, Moses is left out of the story. I suppose we could argue that God actually did act for His name’s sake, but doesn’t it seem a bit self-centered to imply that God made the decision without any outside influence? Of course, who am I to suggest that God spoke inappropriately? But just the same, I would have liked to see Moses get at least some of the credit. And that raises an important issue. Just how much credit do I think I should get for all those brilliant things I suggest to God?
Got a great plan? A terrific program? A brilliant argument? Give it over to God. It’s all for His glory anyway. But watch out. You might be feeling as though your great idea suddenly becomes God’s exclusive property. Of course, you can console yourself that this is really what you intended, and after all, He is God. There’s little to really get upset about. But perhaps that brief stab of ego reveals more about you than God’s use of your great gift. Perhaps there is something to be learned in that split second when you think, “Yeah, but that was my idea.” Maybe we don’t truly understand the depth and depravity of the yetzer ha’ra until we find ourselves wanting credit for God’s actions.
I remember Gordon MacDonald saying that if we look deep enough we will find some pretty wretched things even in the bottom of the purest human heart. Most of us are too scared to look. We prefer the surface spirituality where we don’t have any truly shattering questions and where, above all else, we don’t find something hideous that looks like us. Once in a great while (maybe), we are allowed to smell, to see, to touch what defiles from within. Then God comes (hopefully) and removes the “credit” we thought we deserved so that the outcome really is purified. Thank Him for refusing to make you a footnote.
Topical Index: for My name’s sake, Ezekiel 20:9, Exodus 32
This is a high-order paradox about the One who knows the end from the beginning and has total control of everything. How can anyone persuade the omniscient being to change approach if He does not by definition always know best? Is it not true that when He asks a question, He is never seeking to expand His knowledge, He is merely leading the other party into taking a different mental tack? Is the solution to just chalk it up to the foolishness of God and move on because we have as much comprehension of such realities as, like Dave Berry once put it, a shrimp examining a nuclear submarine? Inquiring minds want to know.
This is not a reply to David’s post, but to Skip’s.
I do so enjoy Skip’s writing/thinking style!! Not only are his articles so simple that even I can understand and be blessed, but they give a little glimpse into the author’s heart. Today’s was no exception.
It also caused me to seek the meaning of yetzer ha-ra, and that reminded me of the hours my dear husband spent studying the Hebrew language in preparation for presenting a message.
Thank you, Skip, and thanks to all who contribute out of your hearts that which often touches the hearts of many of us.
The first order of business is to examine and understand the differences between the Western-Greek view of TIME and the Hebraic view of time. Epistemological conundrums are resolved as a result. Perhaps you should read, God, Time and the Limits of Omniscience.
@Skip, it might be helpful if some of your readers would offer reviews of the book on Amazon, as there are no reviews.
Now wouldn’t that be nice!
Done
It’s a very thought provoking book that is difficult to get through for the average reader but IMO worth the effort.
Skip, this post from you arrived 4 days ago, placed under my message to you. I am still trying to understand whether or not your words are to me. If so, then I need lots of help in understanding why you refer me to this book:
God, Time and the Limits of Omniscience. Thank you.
Helen
You must be more confused than I am. : ) This is a copy of your post to which I refer:
Skip Moen August 24, 2014 at 9:40 am
The first order of business is to examine and understand the differences between the Western-Greek view of TIME and the Hebraic view of time. Epistemological conundrums are resolved as a result. Perhaps you should read, God, Time and the Limits of Omniscience.
This is a tangent, but how does yetzer ha’ra differ from “sinful nature”? Is there a TW where this has already been covered?
I am quite sure I have written about this. Search the web site for yetzer ha’ra or sinful nature.
Thanks, Skip. It’s amazing how that search function works when you actually use it. All I needed was a little encouragement. 😛
In case anyone else is wondering about the difference between yetzer ha’ra and sinful nature, you’re in luck! I’ve done the laborious task of searching for you:
https://skipmoen.com/2011/05/31/yetzer-hara/
Thanks Alicia…you definitely get the “CREDIT” for doing the search on the difference between Yetzer Ha’ra and the sinful nature. Now we have our homework cut out for us…to listen to all those lectures. Let’s get started. :-)))
we do not get credit as we think of it in the earthly realm, because it is not about us, it’s about glorifying our heavenly father, and giving him all the praise and honour which he so richly deserves.
Isn’t it true that any good within me really comes through the HOLY SPIRIT who indwells me? Therefore, I am simply being a voice of the HOLY SPIRIT. If that be the case then GOD needs to pat Himself, not me, on the back for the good that comes from one of His own. As humble as I try to be, I find that I STILL want credit…I’m re-reading Job, and I’m reminded that the more Job focused on himself and his circumstances, even his own goodness, the more critical he became of GOD. LORD-keep me focused on You and realize that all I am or hope to be, or the good I want to do…the credit goes to You and You alone!
Lesson Learned
Brother Skip (and others), Moses was not “miffed,” – Moses was meek!
Meekness: “strength under control” – and have we conveniently forgotten?
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth!” (Matthew 5:5).
(Numbers 12.3) ~ Now the man Moses was very meek, (“anah” http://biblehub.com/hebrew/6031.htm ) – above all the men which were on the face of the earth.) Wow! – So was (is the) Christ! ~ I AM meek and lowly in heart! ~ (Matthew 11.29)
Moses the Intercessor. ~ He made known his ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel ~ (Psalm 103.7) “They” might have seen God’s hand, – but Moses knew His heart!
Our LORD also!- There is One who (today) is praying for us “The Intercessor!” ~ It is Christ that died, yes rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us! What an excellent “argument” to present before YHWH! “LORD, for (because of) Your Name’s sake..” – Amen!
LORD, because You are faithful.. LORD, because You are true. (His Name IS Faithful and His Name IS True! (Revelation 19.11) LORD, because You are compassionate.. – “May it be so!” – or – “let it be, so” -or permit/allow “this” to come into being..
When, (and only when) we pray in the Name of our Savior (in Jesus’ Name and for His sake!) are our prayers answered.. We must pray (and say) “not unto us, O LORD, – not unto us!- but to Your Name be the glory! Why?
Because it is NOT about us! Is this true? ~ He must increase, but “I” must decrease! ~ Yes. Yes. and Yes, – it is.
Are these HIs words or mine? (we report, -you decide!) “If you ask anything in My Name, – I will do it.” “Whatever you ask in My Name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in My Name, – I will do it.” (John 14.13-14)
~ because the same LORD over all is rich unto all who call upon Him.. ~