“And showedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.” – Nehemiah 9:10
It has been said that the star shines brightest in the blackest night. When darkness is all around the light of the shining star is clearly seen. The glory of it is promoted in the midst of the darkness. In that, it manifests a name for itself.
Times were tough, when Moses walked into the land of Egypt with his brother Aaron. His charge was to carry out God's charge to deliver His people. Life for the average Hebrew was not attractive. Their lot in life was slavery, with all the toil and struggle that comes with it. Then Moses walked into Pharaoh's throne room and demanded that he let God’s people go. Not because Moses said so, but because I AM said so. In that moment Pharaoh was given a choice, and he was met with a truth he did not want to face. The choice was to obey God, the truth was that he was not God. We all are given the same choice. Pharaoh responded poorly and would not let them go. He even made their burdens heavier and life harder. Then, the plagues came. The wrath of God was poured out on Egypt and the Egyptians, and out of those desperate times the glory and power of God was manifested to the whole earth for generations to come. His power was so great that the Egyptians were literally giving their valuables to the people they once enslaved as they drove them out of town. The deliverance was so awesome that there was no doubt of God's mighty hand. In this God did “get thee a name.” When Moses walked in, nobody in Egypt knew who this Almighty God was; when the children of Israel walked out; everybody knew. Out of that darkness, the deliverance of God purchased to himself a name amongst the heathen. He would once again do the same with the blood of His own Son. Only in the struggle, fear, and perilous times could His glory be revealed. God will get a name for himself, but only with people who are willing to believe in Him. A people willing to trust Him. The times we live in today are not good times; in the sense that we can purchase to ourselves things that are good. It’s not times of health, wealth, or leisure. The world is turned upside down, and people are afraid. While it is true, we have been stripped of the ability to get a name for ourselves, it is also true that we have been given the opportunity for God to get a name for himself. There are people (I pray) looking for deliverance, and God's people can offer a gospel that does. Now is not the time for cowardice, but for boldness. It is not the time for fear, but for faith. The charge today is not to navigate the treacherous times without injury, but to surrender all hope to the Lord and magnify His name! Praying, Lord thy holy will be done. God commanded Moses, who commanded Pharaoh, “let my people go so they may serve me.” The deliverance leads to service, and in this God gets glory and a name for himself.
Would to God that once again he would get a name for himself. He has swiftly shown the fragility of the world around us. The gods that the people love are no gods. Within a year the world was brought to a screeching halt, and its citizens struggle today to find answers, and peace. In the midst of all this let us pray; Lord, get thee a name. Pray and be willing to follow Him, no matter what the cost; that he may be glorified.
