Today you should read: Ezekiel 9
As you read the story of the God’s chosen people – the Children of Israel – through the Old Testament, you understand how many times they turned their back on Jehovah to serve other gods. Why would they do that? God made Himself clear…
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:2-6
Israel disobeyed God’s command and followed other gods. Before we become too judgmental, please understand that we often do the same thing. We prioritize many things over our love and service for God. Our “idols” may look different – but make no mistake about it – they are idols and we worship them.
The other nations around Israel (where they got the idols from), had temples, priests, and made sacrifices, but only Israel had the presence of the one and only true God living in their midst. God’s glory filled the place… but as time progressed and as the people turned their backs on God, His presence left the temple.
Warren Wiersbe says, “Without the presence of the glory of the Lord, God’s people are just another crowd, going through the motions.” Is that us? How often do we just go through the motions of worship? The motions of devotion to God? How often do we just “play church”?
In chapter 8 we read how the temple of God is defiled and the presence of God has departed. In chapter 9 Ezekiel delivers a message that must have been so difficult for him to deliver – God’s hand of destruction is coming – the people are doomed. The remnant of God’s people are spared (v.1-4) and those that rebel will be judged (9:5-10:7).
What about you and I? What can we understand and think about today from Ezekiel 9?
- God is holy and just and He hasn’t changed!
- The cross is amazing – God poured out His anger on His Son and not us.
- What are the idols that we worship? What do we prioritize over God and His work? What comes before our Bible reading, prayer, church attendance and worship?
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
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