Platform Admin
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
Because God’s people had repeatedly rebelled and chosen to turn their unhearing ears and hard hearts against his will, God was about to let his people face the consequences of their sinfulness. Because of their entrenched rebellion, he was ready to judge them using the harshest of standards; their rebellion compared to his divine and loving will. We must remember that God still wants us to be his holy people in our day just as much as he wanted his people in Ezekiel’s day. Let’s be faithful to him, no matter the values of our culture and how far they stray from God’s will. Jesus has called us to be salt in our world’s decay and light in our world’s darkness (Matthew 5:13-16; John 3:16-21; Philippians 2:12-16).
My Prayer…
O God, please do not rebuke me in your wrath, but encourage me to live for you regardless of my circumstances or the culture surrounding me. I want to be faithful to you in all I do, say, and think. The world around me is trapped in darkness, so please use me to bring your light and life to the people around me. As I seek to honor you this way, please help me not to compromise my values or depart from your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray and plead for these gifts from your grace. Amen.
Bible References
8 Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.
Ezekiel 7:8
“I am about to pour out My wrath on you and spend My anger against you; I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices.”
The Jewish people had been continuously rebellious to God. They were worshiping idols and doing despicable things. The Temple had been defiled by their atrocious acts such as cannibalism (Ezekiel 5:10). God had been faithful to them and given them great privileges in battle and in life, but no more. They refused to turn away from evil and back to Him so He was about to let the consequences of their actions hit them in a very violent way! A remnant would survive, but the nation of Israel would be scattered. There would be no question that it was the Lord Himself that was striking them down!
We as Christians have even higher privileges than the Jews did. We have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and His bloodshed for our sins. The Holy Spirit of God is dwelling on the inside of us, instructing us on how we are to live in obedience to God. May the Lord give us grace not to misuse these privileges and by doing so bring about much heartache in our lives for living in rebellion to God. Lord help us to be aware of any evil or sinful practices that we have in our lives, confess them to God, and turn away from them at once (1 John 1:9).
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Father God, thank You for Your constant and abiding love for me. Help me to always seek to live in obedience to You out of my love for You. I am so very thankful for Your constant mercy, grace and love for mankind. You could have destroyed this world long ago, but You love us and do not want any to perish, but all to come to faith in You (2 Peter 3:9). I love You so Abba and give You all praise, honor, and glory this day, Amen!