It is amazing to see that God is so personally invested in the punishment and destruction of this nation that was so opportunistic in considering the downfall of Jerusalem. It doesn’t seem like such a worthy offense…yet it communicates Gods care for His people…and He is just as jealous for us today!
God is punishing these four nations for participating in the destruction of Israel…and His motive all along is for them to know Him. Lord, You so clearly desire that we all know You and what a privilege it is, help me to lean into that each day!
God has a claim on everything in our lives and is able to use anything and everything to help us to see and understand who He is. Tragically, Ezekiel’s wife dies and God uses it as a lesson for all His people…and Ezekiel has no say. Yet through His suffering, He knows that God is with Him and is using him. Lord, help me to see You just as clearly and have confidence in You!!!
These are getting harder to read as it seems to be a message on repeat…stop worshipping idols, it is only bringing destruction. They must have needed the warning dozens of times because they were thick headed…or just very slow to be changed. I am like that at times, needing a thousand corrections before I hear what is actually being said…Lord, strengthen me to listen and follow You without reservation!
As any parent understands, God is willing to do anything to ensure His children know Him.
There is something about punishment that helps us to see clearly. The pain of it all, forces us to clear away all the lies and convenient excuses we use to follow our own desires. It forces us to see reality and our own true condition! Lord, please let me see these things clearly without the need for discipline!
