September 3 - Ezekiel 19-21
In Ezekiel 19 the Lord gives Ezekiel a lamentation for Israel to make them think of what they were missing. They should have been a young lion, free and strong, but because of their sin, they were brought into a life of captivity in Egypt and in Babylon. Also, their mother was meant to bear good fruit, but the fruit of her vine is not there, and she is dried up, because of their sinful ways. This is so sad, when you consider that God wanted Israel to be so great. God wants all Christians to live a fruitful, strong life, too. If they miss God's purpose, it is very sad.
Ezekiel 20 speaks four times of God acting for His name's sake in not totally destroying Israel in their sinful times. What does this mean? I believe it refers to God's covenant faithfulness. He made made a covenant with Israel to be their God and to bless them, if they would obey Him. They did not obey, but several times they rebelled. He still had a strong desire to keep His part of the covenant, so the Gentiles would not think He was unfaithful and weak. Therefore, He gave His people another chance. This is the love and faithfulness of God. He loves us, even when we sin against Him. He wants us to have a close relationship with Him, and He pursues that relationship, even when we turn against Him. He does this to some degree so the unbelievers will see what it means to be a child of God and enjoy His favor. That way they will come to the Lord.
However, God's mercy is not without punishment. He does send the sword at times. Babylon was His sword toward Israel, when He finally did punish them. This is what Ezekiel tells the leaders of Israel in chapter 21. What sword has God had to use against you in your rebellion? I hope you have quickly turned back to Him, so He could put His sword back in it's sheath.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 22-24.
Ezekiel 20 speaks four times of God acting for His name's sake in not totally destroying Israel in their sinful times. What does this mean? I believe it refers to God's covenant faithfulness. He made made a covenant with Israel to be their God and to bless them, if they would obey Him. They did not obey, but several times they rebelled. He still had a strong desire to keep His part of the covenant, so the Gentiles would not think He was unfaithful and weak. Therefore, He gave His people another chance. This is the love and faithfulness of God. He loves us, even when we sin against Him. He wants us to have a close relationship with Him, and He pursues that relationship, even when we turn against Him. He does this to some degree so the unbelievers will see what it means to be a child of God and enjoy His favor. That way they will come to the Lord.
However, God's mercy is not without punishment. He does send the sword at times. Babylon was His sword toward Israel, when He finally did punish them. This is what Ezekiel tells the leaders of Israel in chapter 21. What sword has God had to use against you in your rebellion? I hope you have quickly turned back to Him, so He could put His sword back in it's sheath.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 22-24.