Ezekiel 23: 27 - You won't think back on Egypt with stars in your eyes. ... Two sisters who drank from a cup of idols canyon-deep and ocean-wide. ... Because you've forgotten all about me, pushing me into the background, you now must pay for what you've done." God said to Ezekiel: "Son of man, will you confront Oholah and Oholibah with what they've done? Make them face their outrageous obscenities, obscenities ranging from adultery to murder."
Ezekiel 24 The Message came to me: "Son of man, I'm about to take from you the delight of your life—a real blow, I know. But, please, no tears. Keep your grief to yourself. No public mourning." So Ezekiel told the people, "God's Word came to me, saying, 'Tell the family of Israel, This is what God, the Master, says: I will desecrate my Sanctuary, your proud impregnable fort, the delight of your life, your heart's desire. The children you left behind will be killed.' Unbelievable. Perform none of the usual funeral rituals. You'll get dressed as usual and go about your work. No tears. Ezekiel will be your example. Yes, Ezekiel, you'll be an example for them. And they'll recognize that I am God."
What a price the Son of Man paid to be an example. He lost his wife in the midst of his ministry. Ezekiel wanted God's Will, God's Plan A more than his own. What do I want more than the Love of my God? What person am I holding on to? Is it for God's Glory? "Through Ezekiel's strange behavior in the middle of grief, I was teaching My people that only in hopelessness will the mouths of the arrogant be closed. And only then will the glory, the sheer Beauty, of My Plan become visible."
What a tragic different road for two sisters than the narrow path Ezekiel chose.
"For without You, what am I to myself but the leader of my own destruction." St. Augustine
I could hardly read this today and keep my coffee down. I was so disgusted at the idolatry and the price of it.
ReplyDeleteThen I felt a nudge. I looked around at what I had created instead of, in place of God. My golden calf that I had justified--it all just happened, Lord. Out popped this golden image from the fire. And my idolatry was exposed before the Lord--towers built to success, monuments to fat and comfortable living. My only goal, not having to work hard. My only justification-it just happened.
There is no such thing as unintentional living.
All He wanted was for me to know He was God.
Lord, expose those areas before it's too late. Recreate my heart to stay fixed on You alone. In the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, my only Hope. Amen
Aw, Annette...what a precious response to a God Who is calling for you, Jer 31:2, right where you are.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sad reading. These words from God just cut deeply into my human soul...
ReplyDelete"I've run out of compassion."
Grace has given me more than I ever deserved and I am so grateful.