September 14, 2012 (Ezekiel 36-37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Then you will remember your past sins and despise yourselves for all the detestable things you did. But remember, says the Sovereign Lord, I am not doing this because you deserve it. O my people of Israel, you should be utterly ashamed of all you have done!” Ezekiel 36:31-32 NLT
Observation: God’s people had become so calloused by sin they had a hard time recognizing what sin was anymore. God had to get their attention. Destruction and famine was the only way. They were driven out of their own land and scattered in all different directions. When they arrived in other cities they brought shame to God because of the way He had to discipline them. In order to preserve His holy name, He would bring them back to their own land. Not because they deserved it, but because of His great name and His holiness. God caused them to remember their past sins and experience godly sorrow that brought forth true repentance. God reminds them once again, you don’t deserve my grace, and you should be utterly ashamed of all you have done!
Application: We live in an era of time when grace is free, repentance is a suggestion, and holiness is history. We have no need to remember the sins of our past because the price was paid by someone else. We act as if we deserve God’s grace and He is indebted to us because of the sacrifice of His Son that He sent! Just like the children of Israel, we have become so calloused by sin that we fail to even recognize its presence. We walk around with our chest poked out and our nose in the air taunting God and daring Him to do anything about it. We bring shame to His house and to His name by our actions. He will deal with us. His anger is being kindled. He will not be mocked and humiliated by His own people forever!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for opening my eyes to see and helping me understand my past sins, giving me the privilege of repentance. I am utterly ashamed of my past and do not deserve Your grace and mercy. Yet, because of Your great love, You have freely given to me. Help me live in such a way that You are not ashamed of the way I live or the way You have to discipline me. In Jesus name, Amen!