For the Sake of His Name

Ezekiel 20

The Boston Red Sox have one of the most passionate fan bases in the nation, evidenced by their reverence for Fenway Park. It is considered one of the most beloved and historic stadiums in all of sports. The emotional well-being and “mood” of the city hinges on the Red Sox performance. Sadly, most of their history has been one of disappointment. In fact, they felt that they lived under the “Curse of the Bambino” having not one a WS for so many decades, attributed to their trading Babe Ruth to the Yankees all the way back in 1919. That curse seemed to rear its ugly head time and again. The Red Sox would make it to the playoffs only to get beat and disappoint their fans. The farther they got in the post-season, the harder the loss was felt.

When the team looked good in 2004, fans wondered if they dared hope for a trophy. That hope grew as they reached the postseason, and then blossomed when they reached the American League championship against their bitter rival, the team that brought about the “curse of the bambino” and their 86 year championship drought, the Yankees. Would it be another heartbreaking loss? The Yankees had beaten them the year before for the championship. And It was looking that way again. They lost game 1, then game 2, and then game 3 in dramatic fashion, 19-8. No team had ever come back from 3 games down. As loyal as Boston fans ordinarily were, the emotional heartbreak that loomed was too much for some who sold their tickets to that 4th game, angry at their team for letting them down.

But not all were fair-weather fans. Those that kept their tickets were witness to one of the most dramatic comebacks in sports history. The Red Sox went on to win the next 4 games to win the championship and then went on to win the World Series.
The God of Israel too appeared to be 3 games down, so to speak, against the world as his people suffered under the rule of the Babylonians. God’s people were on the verge of collapse. And many of his followers had lost their faith. Yet, those who kept it to the end would see the most dramatic comeback in world history. For God would not forsake His name.

So do not give up on your faith, no matter the circumstance. For God will not forsake His name. That is the theme in this chapter. We find it summarized best in verse 44

And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I deal with you for my name’s sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt deeds, O house of Israel, declares the Lord God.