September 1, 2013 (Ezekiel 15-16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her detestable sins.” Ezekiel 16:2 NLT
Observation: Ezekiel was called to proclaim and expose the detestable sins of the people of Judah. He was not called to sugar coat the message or hold back from being blunt and vulgar. He was to confront and expose their sins as an explanation for the coming destruction caused by their sins. He related the nation of Judah as a wife that had been rescued from certain death, restored and loved beyond measure, gifted and blessed extravagantly, then turned from her faithful husband and became a whore to any man that asked of her. How quickly Judah had forgotten being cast into a field to die as a helpless infant. How quickly Judah forgot where her blessings came from. How quickly she was puffed up with pride and thought her beauty and fame were of her own doing. Then, as if her prostitution was not enough, she sacrificed her sons and daughters to the false gods and idols she had raised up. What a sick heart you have, says the Lord, you have made your sister nations Sodom and Samaria look righteous when compared to you!
Application: Confronting sin is never an easy task. People are quickly offended when what they enjoy is exposed as sinful and unrighteous. Whether it’s a nation or an individual that is confronted with sin there is only one proper response, repentance. Yet more often than not, repentance is not the first choice. Usually pride and arrogance are the first responses to rise up and they typically lead people further down the road of destruction. We have the historical accounts from the word of God to instruct us and lead us unto the proper response, yet we often times reject His message just as the people of Judah did. Unfortunately, until destruction strikes and rock bottom is reached few ever surrender and submit to the God of Heaven. But because of His faithfulness and His great patience, He continues to allow disastrous events to take place in our lives giving us every opportunity to hear His call and repent of our sins. Don’t you hear Him today?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the way You speak! Thank You for Your patience that is an expression of Your great love. Thank You for the events You have allowed to take place in my life to bring me to You and instruct me how to live. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Help me to live today to please You completely, in Jesus name, Amen!