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September 2nd

The Bible reading today is in Ezekiel chapters 20,21.

“In the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the Lord and sat before me. And the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God, Is it to inquire of me that you come? As I live, declares the Lord God, I will not be inquired of by you.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭20:1-3‬ ‭

It has been two years since God sent His rebellious people into Babylonian captivity. Some of the elders, who had previously mocked the prophet’s preaching, sought Ezekiel out. They wanted to get the prophet’s help.

“They had some questions for God”. So before Ezekiel could even excuse himself to some quiet place to intercede for them, God spoke to the prophet.

“As I live, I will not be inquired of by these men.” Wow, that is harsh. What about the Father figure with arms wide open? What about the nursing mother figure with all the patience in the world for her baby? What about the Shepherd figure cradling the little lamb in His arms.

Well, the apostle Peter spoke to this very matter. “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to your elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

These angry, arrogant leaders in Israel, whose world was turned upside down by the righteous judgment of God upon them, were demanding a meeting with God, to give Him a piece of their minds.

They were not broken over their sin. They were mad about their circumstances, blaming God for them. They were not humbled or respectful in the company of God’s man. And that attitude said that they were not yet impressed with God’s presence and power. They would manipulate God like they did those under their charge.

And God would have none of their prideful demands. “Tell them that I will not give them an audience as long as I live...” Now that’s a serious dis! Indeed a word to the wise!

Is there any good news here. If God was so stern with Israel’s spiritual leaders, what hope do I have? The prophet answered that question by reminding the exiles of their storied past...”It’s not about you...it’s about God!”

“But they rebelled against me and were not willing to listen to me. None of them cast away the detestable things their eyes feasted on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. “Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them and spend my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.

“But I acted for the sake of my name”, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made myself known to them in bringing them out of the land of Egypt.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭20:8-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God showed grace and Mercy in Egypt. He would show the same in Babylon. For His name’s sake...not for Israel’s track record.

There’s the good news.

You and I, fellow follower of Christ, we will always have good news to shore us up, no matter what comes our way...even when our worlds are turned upside down.

Jesus went to the cross “for us”. That’s true. He was our substitutionary sacrifice that paid for our sins and our home in heaven. But let us not forget, Jesus did what he did, not because we deserved it or earned it someway. Jesus saved us for His Name’s sake...for His glory!

Awesome...

Have a great day