Obedience to God always seems like such an easy straightforward task…which in reality it is! But being surrendered to His plan enough to trust that it is best is the hard part. We so often think that there is another way, one that will be less painful, less scary, less embarrassing…but that way always leads to more destruction. Lord, help me to trust You only and reject my ways of foolishness!
This chapter sees the Lord pointing out the various ways that His people are bringing their idols into their lives and their worship…we get the impression that that are rejecting God and embracing other idols…even in His temple. Lord, please help me to see my own idols and areas that I seek to be filled up other than You alone!
Repeatedly the warning from God is that this disaster will come because of their rebellion, so that they will “know that I am the LORD”. He wants us to know, and acknowledge Him as king of our lives and the world…it is such an easy concept, but our desire to do what we want is so strong, it is hard to do! Lord, grand me the strength to put my own desires to death and follow you without a second thought!
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!
