Psalm 79:9-10 Help us, God our Savior,
    for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins
    for your name’s sake.
Why should the nations say,
    “Where is their God?”

Once again, this is a Psalm written by a descendent of Asaph, because Jerusalem was never conquered during David’s lifetime, and Asaph was a Levite appointed by David. Little things like the attribution of Psalms might seem unimportant, but they give insight to understand the events and emotions behind the words. It would seem that this Levite was a contemporary of Jeremiah, and if so, he had seen plenty of idolatry, not to mention despising of God and His messengers. He doesn’t claim innocence for those who were slaughtered, but he asks for deliverance for the sake of God’s name, that is, His reputation. Monotheism simply wasn’t a thing back then, and gods were considered powerful to the degree that they made their devotees prosper. On that score, Yahweh seemed to be striking out! From our perspective it is easier to see that God is the Creator of the universe, but it benefits nothing to look down on those who didn’t have that perspective. There have been many genuine saints who had shaky theology! The problem with those about whom this Levite was writing was that they hadn’t lived their daily lives so as to acknow­ledge God or give Him glory. Religions are known by the actions of their adherents! As James said, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27) How many Christians today are earnest about not being polluted by the world? We rightly speak and sing of “The Name of Jesus,” and indeed, “Christian” expressly means “Christ follower,” but do we live so that those around us can see the difference between someone who follows Jesus as Lord and someone who doesn’t? God has made His character obvious throughout the universe, (Romans 1:19-20) but his reputation among men comes from those who say they follow Him. We should give no one an excuse to say, “Where is their God?”

As a pastor in Japan, I am very much in the place of being considered a representative of Christianity, and indeed of Christ. I was deeply pleased last week to receive a call from a psychiatric hospital, because one of their inpatients was saying they wanted to become a Christian. After 40 years, we have established a name in this city, and it is all by the grace of God. I am to live my life in faithfulness so that name will not be discounted, because it is connected to the Name of my Lord. If I live in daily fellowship, in step with God’s Spirit, (Galatians 5:25) then people will see Christ through me and be drawn to Him for their salvation. That is my desire and my goal.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all You’ve brought us through in the sight of this city. May more and more people realize that they need, and can have, what they see and admire in us, and so repent and believe for their salvation, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!