1 Samuel 12:22 (ESV) — For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself.

Everyone has a core reason that drives why they do every single thing. There may be many reasons cited for why someone works at their job or participates in their hobbies. But at the end of the day, all those things could be driven down to a core reason. The same is true with God’s actions. He has a main cause underneath all His actions.

We see that in our passage today. The text gives us a glimpse into God’s ultimate motivation for His actions. We read in 1 Samuel 12:22, “For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself.”

This teaching rarely finds itself in churches today. But the Scriptures teach this principle in several places. The LORD declares that He will not forsake His people. Why? For His great name’s sake. God chose to make Abraham a nation for Himself. Israel belongs to Him. He preserves them not because of their goodness or righteousness, but because of His own promises. For His own name. 

Our passage says it has pleased the LORD to make them a people for Himself. That’s why He rescues them. To disown them would discredit His own name. His own glory is His highest aim. This teaching is significant for the church today. God does things for His own glory. He builds His church for His glory. Jesus died for God’s glory. There are many secondary reasons why God acts in time and history. But His ultimate aim is His own glory. 

Remember today that God’s glory is His highest priority. That doesn’t mean He doesn’t love us or want to bless us. But His glory is something He’ll never forsake. It guarantees that He’ll keep His Word and promises to us.

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Join God in making His glory your highest priority as well. 

Reflection & Journal:
- Why does it shock people to read that God does things for His own name’s sake?
- What are things we often substitute for God’s glory as His highest aim or motivation?
- How does this passage challenge you personally?

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