Today's Reading:
Ezekiel 7:1-9:11
Matthew 9:18-38
Proverbs 11:29-12:7
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: Ezekiel 8:12-13
12 He
said to me, "Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of
Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol?
They say, 'The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.' " 13 Again, he said, "You will see them doing things that are even more detestable."
Ezekiel 9:3-4
3 Now
the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where
it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the LORD
called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side 4 and
said to him, "Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the
foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things
that are done in it."
Insight:
The
corruption and idolatry of God’s people was pervasive and deep. Even
the elders who were to be the spiritual leaders of Israel had turned
away from God. They had even brought idols into the temple and offered
up prayer and worship to them. As their nation was falling apart, they
lost faith in God and turned to superstition and pagan Gods. [Ezekiel 8:12-13]
Yet,
in the midst of all this apostasy and unfaithfulness, there were people
who remained faithful to God. Their faithfulness was demonstrated by
the grief and sorrow they had about the sins of their nation. When
judgment was poured out on Israel, God took special note of those who
trusted in him. They were spared from death and survived the storm of
destruction that left Israel in ruins. [Ezekiel 9:3-4]
Response and Action:
God
holds people accountable for their actions. God recognizes those who
are seeking him and trusting in him. God delivers those who look to him
in faith. I must seek God with my whole heart. I must remain faithful to
God and turn away from the sin and corruption that pervades my world.
The things that grieve God's heart should grieve my heart too.
O
God, help me to be faithful to you. Give me the wisdom to recognize sin
and corruption and to turn away from it. Give me a heart that grieves
over the things that grieve you. Show me your ways, and by your grace,
give me the strength and will to walk in them. Though all around me
should turn away from you, help me to remain true to you and to follow
you with my whole heart. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Galatians 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever
sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction;
whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal
life.
Resources:
Walking Away from Faith: Unraveling the Mystery of Belief and Unbelief
by Ruth Tucker
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