Day 190 - Ezekiel Friday (chapters 19-24)
“Things shall not remain as they are.” (Ezekiel 21:26 ESV)
Yesterday I was sitting next to a beautiful Wisconsin lake. Many are doing similar things this Fourth of July week. And then we have Ezekiel! There aren’t many reasons for marching bands, fireworks and celebration in these chapters.
“Behold, the princes of Israel in you, every one according to his power, have been bent on shedding blood. Father and mother are treated with contempt in you; the sojourner suffers extortion in your midst; the fatherless and the widow are wronged in you. You have despised my holy things and profaned my Sabbaths. There are men in you who slander to shed blood... they commit lewdness in your midst. Men violate women... In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take interest and profit and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; but me you have forgotten, declares the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 22:6-12 ESV)
Because His people had forgotten God, they are about to face horrendous change. The throne of David is about to be vacated until his ultimate Descendant (Jesus) arrives. Great change is coming for ths nation.
Many of us look at America with sadness over how our values have changed. Furthermore, the threat of radical Islam and an anti Christian disposition evident in our culture, make us very apprehensive about the future and the possibility of even greater negative changes. These are scary times. Yet we are richly blessed by the Lord.
We are all sinners who deserve to be separated from God forever. Thank God things will not remain as they are for us. Jesus has taken our sins upon Himself, forgiven us, and made us heaven-bound!
As you continue to celebrate your American freedom, also celebrate your freedom from sin, death and the devil made possible only by Jesus!
Lord God, please have mercy on me and spare me from the punishment I deserve. Please lead America to return to our Christian roots so that our nation can be a blessings to our citizens and to the entire world. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
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