In a list of evil that Israel had done we see all the ways they worshiped false gods…The last thing listed in vs 6 is their works. These were things that looked good but were in service of themselves, or idolatry altogether. What of my works for God are self focused or in service of something else?!? Lord, help me to see those clearly and lay them down!!!!
So many times I want to assign punishment or trials as the removal of protection of God. In other words, God doesn’t cause the bad, but sometimes allows it…it has been hard for me to read this section and continue with this idea…over and over God says that He will accomplish the destruction/punishment Himself…justly repaying the Israelites for their rebellion. I am not sure how to weave this into the theology I believe…Lord give me wisdom and confidence in You alone!
Ezekiel has been given some crazy task to act out this siege of Jerusalem and must eat defiled food, yet here God relaxes the requirements in an act of kindness. What a bizarre scene, yet God is at work teaching the Israelites the importance of obedience. Lord strengthen me to be obedient at every moment!
Every one of us is specifically created for the ministry that God has called us to. Ezekiel was intentionally made to be hard headed and he has an unblinking face of stone …perfectly prepared to be a prophet to people who will refuse to listen. What a blessing to know that God has prepared me to do the work he has called me to.
Lord, you have uniquely wired me to minister to people struggling and blessed me with a faith to trust even in the most challenging circumstances. You have also specifically allowed me to struggle to keep me dependent on You! Help me to live my life in a way that brings You glory!
God pursues His people even when they rebel and seem like a lost cause. What stands out to me here is that even the rebellious people will be impacted by His chase. They will not be able to ignore His obvious engagement of them because He is good, powerful and accomplishes all that He sets out to do. Lord, help me to see you instantly! Help me to love You and be surrendered in every part of my heart and mind…
This passage is crazy and depicts some really incredible vision that I don’t understand, but near the end we see that God is on his throne and is speaking to Ezekiel. What a blessing that God speaks to us even out of the chaos of the unknown that we face.
God sees and knows our suffering and trials, we are not alone even if we are the cause of our trial. What a blessing to be unconditionally loved and cared for by the most powerful and most loving being. We are blessed to know Him!!!
