November 24, 2006 - Ezekiel 22-23 and I Peter 1
Today, we have a very definite contrast between the passage in Ezekiel and the chapter in I Peter. I believe it should be meaningful to all of us, if we will take it to heart and reflect on what God is saying to us. I pray that each of us will take time to let God's Word sink into our hearts each day.
Ezekiel 22 and 23 is a prophecy against Jerusalem in which Ezekiel is told to point out the sins of the leaders and the people again. Then, he tells them that God will scatter the people among the nations and remove their filthiness. (22:15) He likens this process to burning off the dross in the furnace until only the true silver and gold is left. (22:17-22) Ezekiel told them that they had committed this spiritual adultery, even though they saw what had happened to the northern kingdom of Israel, and they had acted more corruptly than Israel. (23:11) At least part of the reason for their sin was that they had never left the idolatry they learned in Egypt. (23:3,8) They were making God so angry because they were trying to worship Him and idols at the same time. (23:39) Therefore, He was going to send his sword against them and stone them for their spiritual adultery. (23:47) The picture is of a very unholy people, who are being scattered, so that they will return to God, after being cleansed, and live a holy life before Him and others.
In I Peter 1 the believers have been scattered, but the reason for the scattering is completely opposite from Ezekiel's time. These are holy believers, who have been scattered to show the truth of the gospel to the world. (v.2) They have a living hope and an incorruptible inheritance in heaven. (v.3,4) They were being tried by the fire of their trials, not to remove dross, but to show the strength and purity of their faith. (v.6,7) They were not conforming to the former lusts, but they were living a holy life for all to see. (v.14,15) Their goal was to love each other and to follow God's eternal Word for all to see. (v.22-25) In other words, they were scattered so everyone could see their faith, not because of a lack of faith and holiness. They would experience trials and pain, but it was for God's glory, not a punishment for their sins.
Which category do you fall into today? Are you the dross or the pure gold? Do you find yourself being put through the fire to remove sin or to prove your faith? There is a big difference, isn't there? I hope we all can come to the point of living such a holy lives that the whole world around us will marvel at the power of God in our lives.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 24-26 and I Peter 2.
Ezekiel 22 and 23 is a prophecy against Jerusalem in which Ezekiel is told to point out the sins of the leaders and the people again. Then, he tells them that God will scatter the people among the nations and remove their filthiness. (22:15) He likens this process to burning off the dross in the furnace until only the true silver and gold is left. (22:17-22) Ezekiel told them that they had committed this spiritual adultery, even though they saw what had happened to the northern kingdom of Israel, and they had acted more corruptly than Israel. (23:11) At least part of the reason for their sin was that they had never left the idolatry they learned in Egypt. (23:3,8) They were making God so angry because they were trying to worship Him and idols at the same time. (23:39) Therefore, He was going to send his sword against them and stone them for their spiritual adultery. (23:47) The picture is of a very unholy people, who are being scattered, so that they will return to God, after being cleansed, and live a holy life before Him and others.
In I Peter 1 the believers have been scattered, but the reason for the scattering is completely opposite from Ezekiel's time. These are holy believers, who have been scattered to show the truth of the gospel to the world. (v.2) They have a living hope and an incorruptible inheritance in heaven. (v.3,4) They were being tried by the fire of their trials, not to remove dross, but to show the strength and purity of their faith. (v.6,7) They were not conforming to the former lusts, but they were living a holy life for all to see. (v.14,15) Their goal was to love each other and to follow God's eternal Word for all to see. (v.22-25) In other words, they were scattered so everyone could see their faith, not because of a lack of faith and holiness. They would experience trials and pain, but it was for God's glory, not a punishment for their sins.
Which category do you fall into today? Are you the dross or the pure gold? Do you find yourself being put through the fire to remove sin or to prove your faith? There is a big difference, isn't there? I hope we all can come to the point of living such a holy lives that the whole world around us will marvel at the power of God in our lives.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 24-26 and I Peter 2.