Why did God predestined us in his love to be His sons? That the glory of His grace might be praised (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). Why did God create a people for Himself? "I created [them] for my glory" (Isa. 43:7). Why did He make one lump vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor? That He might show His wrath and make known His power and reveal the riches of His glory for the vessels of mercy (Rom. 9:22-23). Why did God raise up Pharaoh and harden his heart and deliver Israel with a mighty arm? That His wonders might be multiplied over Pharaoh (Exod. 14:4) and that His name might be declared in all the earth (Exod. 9:16).
Why did God spare rebellious Israel in the wilderness and finally bring them to the promised land? "I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations" (Ezek. 20:14). Why did He not destroy Israel when they rejected Him from being king over them and demanded to be like all the nations (1 Sam. 8:4-6)? "The LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake" (1 Sam. 12:22). God's love for the glory of His own name is the spring of free grace and the rock of our security.
Why did God bring back the Israelites from Babylonian captivity? Because Daniel prayed, "For your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon the sanctuary, which is desolate" (Dan. 9:17). Why did the Father send the incarnate Son of Israel? "To confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy" (Rom. 15:8-9). Why did the Son come to His final hour? "For this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name" (John 12:27-28). Christ died to glorify the Father and to repair the defamation we had brought upon His honor. Our only hope is that the death of Christ satisfied God's righteous claim to receive proper glory from His creatures (Rom. 3:24-26).
John Piper, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals
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