November 18, 2006 - Ezekiel 8-10 and Hebrews 13
The reality is that leadership matters. The leaders have a great influence on the rest of the people. That is the reality we see as we read these two passages. I hope you will allow the Lord to speak to you today as you read His precious Word.
Ezekiel was shown a vision of all of the terrible idolatry of the leaders of the Jews in Jerusalem. The elders were worshiping idols in the dark, and they did not think God would see them. (8:12) This led the people away from the Lord, until God had no choice but to purge His people of this horrible sin. Therefore, chapter 9 tells us that God spared those who were sickened by the idolatry, and the rest were killed by the Babylonians. This was a cleansing from sin. This shows God's purpose in having a remnant survive. They were the ones whose hearts had not turned fully to idols. Finally, chapter 10 gives us a graphic description of God's glory or His presence departing from the defiled Temple. Do you see the progression? The leaders quit leading the people to follow the Lord, so the society became so corrupt that God had to punish, and He had to leave because He could not put up with the sin.
Hebrews 13 is the positive side of this issue of leadership. Here, the people are urged to remember their leaders and to listen to them. (v.7,17) This is because the leaders are following God, and they are showing the way for the people to go. That is how God intends for it to work. He knows the importance of good righteous leadership. He knows most of the people will continue to follow His commands if they have a good example from their leaders. I pray that each of us will realize this truth and put it into practice. We must have good leaders today, and we must be a good leader, if God calls us into that position.
Tomorrow, I Intend to read Ezekiel 11-13 and James 1.
Ezekiel was shown a vision of all of the terrible idolatry of the leaders of the Jews in Jerusalem. The elders were worshiping idols in the dark, and they did not think God would see them. (8:12) This led the people away from the Lord, until God had no choice but to purge His people of this horrible sin. Therefore, chapter 9 tells us that God spared those who were sickened by the idolatry, and the rest were killed by the Babylonians. This was a cleansing from sin. This shows God's purpose in having a remnant survive. They were the ones whose hearts had not turned fully to idols. Finally, chapter 10 gives us a graphic description of God's glory or His presence departing from the defiled Temple. Do you see the progression? The leaders quit leading the people to follow the Lord, so the society became so corrupt that God had to punish, and He had to leave because He could not put up with the sin.
Hebrews 13 is the positive side of this issue of leadership. Here, the people are urged to remember their leaders and to listen to them. (v.7,17) This is because the leaders are following God, and they are showing the way for the people to go. That is how God intends for it to work. He knows the importance of good righteous leadership. He knows most of the people will continue to follow His commands if they have a good example from their leaders. I pray that each of us will realize this truth and put it into practice. We must have good leaders today, and we must be a good leader, if God calls us into that position.
Tomorrow, I Intend to read Ezekiel 11-13 and James 1.