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How does God make himself known to the nations and people of the world? Aside from the witness of Scripture and the life and work of Jesus Christ, his primary means is through men and women who are dedicated to him and live as he wants them to live. They are the light of the world, whose good works light the way to the Lord (Matt. 5:14-16).
That means that Gods reputation is at stake in the way his people conduct their lives. That was true for ancient Israel. He made a covenant with them to be his people. Yet three times before they even got to the Promised Land, they went back on their commitment and returned to the idols they had learned to serve in Egypt. Each time the Lord threatened to pour out his fury on them (20: 8, 13, 21), but each time he spared them for one reason; He wanted the rest of the worlds nations to know who he is (20:9, 14, 22).
If Israel were destroyed, the pagan nations would have lost an important witness to the living God. In fact, Moses pointed this out at Mount Sinai, when the Lord wanted to destroy the idolatrous Israelites and start a new nation from him. Moses argued that then the Egyptians and other nations would misinterpret Gods purpose for bringing the people out of Egypt (Exodus 32: 9-14).
In light of this history, believers today need to think about their reputations, whether they are worthy of the Lord. Would people be attracted to God or repelled by our conduct? Are we appealing? Is God honored by unbelievers because of the things we do and say?
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