In Joshua 7, the people of Israel suffer a great defeat at the city of Ai. This after a great victory at the city of Jericho. Joshua falls to his knees before the Lord desperately seeking to understand what has happened and why. All his thoughts and feelings then culminate in one penetrating question. “And what will you do for your great name?” (7:9)
Joshua doesn’t exclaim, “And what will you do for my great name?” Nor “And what will you do for Israel’s great name?” But, “And what will you do for your great name, oh Lord?”
This, Elim Grace, is the singular heart’s cry of a pastor and people transformed and driven by the glory of God! “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory” (Psalm 115:1) All the honor and fame and worship and awe and glory belong to Him and Him alone!
In Acts 3 we read about Peter and John going to the temple to worship. There a man lame from birth sees Peter and asks him for money. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6)
The greatest thing the church can give the world is not “silver and gold”. Only what is practical and helpful for daily living. Now, a large part of our ministry here at Elim Grace is attending to and meeting the practical needs of people. This is a very important aspect of our ministry. Yet, the greatest thing the church can give the world the world doesn’t possess. What is it? “In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk!”
The glory of God is the manifest beauty of His holiness. It is the going-public of His holiness. It is the way He puts His holiness on display for people to apprehend. For people to “taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8) The gospel of the life and power of Jesus Christ is what the church has received to bring to the world through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit! We are a people for God’s glory and of his glory. We not only exist for His glory, but are to be carriers of His glory.
Dear Elim Grace, amidst growth, my heart’s cry, and I pray your heart’s cry, is summed up in Joshua’s prayer: “And what will you do for your great name?”
Where the glory of Jesus is sought and treasured, there God will dwell and do mighty works! There the Holy Spirit can do anything! There God’s people will rejoice with a joy inexpressible and full of glory!
Hear the call of God to us today:
“Where can I build a house for my glory?”
May God hear our reply today:
“Here, Lord! Here at Elim Grace! In us! Do all that is in your heart! We promise to give you all the glory. Forever and ever. Amen.”