August 31, 2013 (Ezekiel 12-14; Revelation 5)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their request?” Ezekiel 14:3 NLT
Observation: Ezekiel was preaching to the people of Judah that had been exiled to Babylon in 597 B.C. False prophets not sent by God, were claiming a false message that did not come from God. They didn’t desire to hear the true message of God that Ezekiel was proclaiming because it was a message of destruction. These leaders had set up idols in their hearts. They embraced things that made them fall into sin. They accepted and believed the false message of hope and security from the false prophets because it was a more desirable prophecy. Even though they were in exile in Babylon they believed God would spare their nation because of a few faithful people. However, God clearly tells them through the Prophet Ezekiel that Jerusalem would be completely destroyed and yet there would be survivors, and they would come to join these others as exiles in Babylon. They would see with their own eyes how wicked they are and they would understand that the things done to Israel were not done without cause.
Application: Sometimes the truth is hard to hear and even harder to accept. We live our lives as if we have forever to repent and turn from wickedness. We act as if the Day of Judgment will never come for us. Too many times we trust in the righteousness of others to keep the wrath of God from coming upon our nation. Yet God’s word is true and accurate. Every nation that ever turned from God and set up idols in their hearts has fallen. Every nation that has embraced things that led them to sow sinful seeds of wickedness has eventually reaped the harvest of painful consequences. Too many of our leaders today have set up idols in their hearts and have embraced things that make us fall into sin. We have opened the doors of our courts, our homes and our churches to embrace things that cause us to sin against the God of heaven, while we boast with our lips how great we are as a nation and a people. The day of reckoning is coming, are you ready to give an account?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this wonderful day! Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for the blessings You have provided for me and my family. Help me Lord be ready for the Day of Judgment. Cleanse me of anything not pleasing in Your sight. Cover me with the precious blood of Jesus and make me whole and complete by Him. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!