Executive Producer

This episode is brought to you in part by Executive Producer, John Anonymous.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 7-12 CEB

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Thoughts

Obviously, the message that God gave to Ezekiel would have been difficult to deliver and difficult to hear. 

After our recent readings of the building of the tabernacle and of the temple, and God’s very specific instructions on the various sacrifices and other activities that were to take place in these places, it is sobering to hear how far the people had fallen. It’s actually a testament to God’s grace to see for how long He waited to take action against them, don’t you think?

But on the other hand, the people, in their sinful and fallen state, took God’s inaction not as patience and grace, but as indifference and absence. 

Ultimately, as we heard in chapter 11, God’s presence was withdrawn from the temple because of Israel’s worship of other Gods, and the behavior that came with it. How tragic.

Let this be a lesson to us, beloved. Just because we seem to be getting away with sin, we must not be fooled. Don’t assume that God doesn’t care. I’m sure you have heard the old saying, “Give him enough rope to hang himself.” Well, let Israel’s fate constantly remind us that there is no getting away from God’s attention. Beloved, when I get into Heaven and stand before God, I don’t want to know that I got there by the skin of my teeth. I want to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Oh God, hold us close. Help us to keep our heart tender to you. Help us to respond when your Holy Spirit speaks to us. Help us to quickly feel the pangs of guilt and remorse when we fail you, when we sin. Help us to quickly repent and seek your forgiveness. Let us not become comfortable with any distance between you and us. We want to feel your near presence, Father. Jesus, remind us daily of the price you paid for our salvation. Holy Spirit, help us to hear when you speak to us and guide us.

I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.