The past year, I just celebrated the big 3-0. With every new decade, life speeds up, and the long stretch of the future that seems endless at 18 starts to look shorter and shorter.
I remember when I graduated from high school, I – and all my friends – wrestled endlessly with what to make of our lives. What college? What major? What city? What guy? It seemed like we needed to have it all figured out as soon as we walked across the graduation stage.
But, as anyone who has a little life experience knows, life rarely goes as planned. What we thought would make up our lives at 18 rarely fits with what our life actually looks like at 30, 40, or 50.
It always seemed strange to me that Jesus, with such a short life, waited to begin his ministry until 30. Here are some reasons why that could be.
Traditionally, 30 was the age in Jewish culture of full maturity. It matches up with the pattern of scripture: David was 30 years old when he became king, Joseph was 30 when he entered the service of Pharaoh, the Levitical priests were 30 when they started their service, and so on (Ezekiel, King Saul, and maybe even Paul the Apostle).
Jesus needed to wait to gain the experience and wisdom that comes with age. His authority and testimony depended on it.
When I was younger, it seemed like if I had not decided on a thing by age 22 that opportunity would have passed me by for the rest of my life. Whether that’s a career or a specific ministry, it seems like I’m already too set in my ways to be able to make a change and start doing the thing.
But, I’ve realized that is not how life works. Our lives are long and full of twists and turns. Joseph probably could not have dreamed of the many changes that would take place between his time among his flocks and entering the service of Pharaoh, but God knew and had a plan.
Sometimes, I find myself falling into this trap today. If someone has moved on from the church or a friendship is broken, I often give up. I feel as though this will be how this person, this relationship, or this work will be for the rest of my life.
We need to remember this: As long as we are willing to walk in obedience, it is never too late to start the work. God uses the time waiting and praying as preparation to help to mature our faith and grow our wisdom.
What can we do in the waiting?
We can pray, prepare, and trust – as we look to all those who had to wait to begin their ministry. We can trust that God, ‘who started a good work in us, will see it through to completion.’
Cayce Fletcher writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com. Check out the blog and other resources to help you create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. This free resource here will help you take your Bible study one step further with a Bible reading tracker, Bible study reflection page, and more.
Reflection Questions
Why do you think Age 30 was so significant in God’s plan? What is special about this age?
What thing do you feel is ‘too late to change’? It could be a job, a personality trait, a failed relationship, or a church ministry. How could you pray for change for this thing?
How can we ‘wait well’? What are some practical steps we can take to make the most of our time of preparation?
When I was still teaching seventh-grade English, one of the stories that my students loved (much to my surprise) was “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry. In the story, a young couple needed to buy Christmas presents for each other, but like many young couples, they were severely lacking in funds to do so. In order to scrounge together what they needed for the perfect gift, they sold their most valuable possessions (hair in the girl’s case and an inherited pocket watch for the boy).
At the end, to their dismay, the boy and the girl realized that the gifts they had purchased were useless, though very expensive. The boy had bought a comb for the girl who had shorn her hair. The girl had bought a chain for the boy who had sold his watch.
As my students reached the end of the story, they would always laugh and shake their heads at the couple. But, the story ends with this famous quote: “Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.”
Today’s reading almost feels like Christmas in July (or well… September). In four separate stories of travels, we learn about Jesus’ boyhood. He receives the gifts from the Magi, takes off to Egypt for several years, returns and settles in Nazareth, and finally participates in an annual pilgrimage for the Jewish feast of Passover.
My students may think that the boy and girl in the story are silly, but when we read the story of the Magi, we should be struck as well. These men left their countries to go on a years long journey. To where? They didn’t know. For what? They also didn’t know.
All they knew was this: “We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
O. Henry recognized that this was true devotion and love. To recklessly sacrifice to show devotion for something that we hold as truly valuable. The Magi are famously called ‘The Wise Men.’
But, what is true wisdom?
It is not always playing it safe. It is not always acting in a way the world deems prudent.
But, it is always rightly ordering our loves so that we can show devotion to the best thing.
What does that look like?
It is choosing to put our faith at the forefront of our lives, prioritizing it. We talk of priorities as a list of 3, 5, or even 10. But, really, the word means the thing we hold first. If our faith is placed first, everything else we do falls behind it.
And, when we devote our lives to our faith, we may pursue the way of the Magi. We may sacrifice (maybe a little recklessly) in order to obey our God. Because we know that the path of obedience is sweet and good. It is worth giving up everything – even our most valuable possessions – for.
Cayce Fletcher writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com. Check out the blog and other resources to help you create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. This free resource here will help you take your Bible study one step further with a Bible reading tracker, Bible study reflection page, and more.
Reflection Questions
We often think of the Wise Men as being Wise because they were simply ‘learned.’ But, how were their actions also wise?
What is our first priority in our lives? How do we show this through our actions?
How can choosing to live wisely and righteously look like foolishness to the world?
Matthew begins the New Testament with the genealogy of Jesus Christ the Messiah to confirm that he was the prophesied direct heir to King David’s throne. Because we so often sleepwalk through this genealogy, we almost miss five names. Five names that belong to women— Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. It was not customary to include women in genealogies, so we are left to wonder why Matthew included them.
TAMAR
Hers was a sad, terrible story of grief and sin. Genesis 38 recounts her story. She first married Judah’s oldest son, who was so wicked the Lord took his life. At that time, if a woman’s husband died, her deceased husband’s brother would marry her to provide for her and keep her in the family. So, Judah arranged for Tamar to marry his second son, who, unfortunately, followed in his brother’s footsteps and was put to death by the Lord. Judah promised Tamar that she could marry his third son when he grew up, but Judah had lied. Tamar was in great need, so she developed a plan and deceived Judah by disguising herself as a prostitute. Her plan worked, and Tamar became pregnant with twins. When Judah was told that his daughter-in-law was pregnant through prostitution, he ordered her to be burned. But, as the story unfolded, Judah realized that Tamar was the prostitute he had bought. Not a pretty story, but Judah confessed and took responsibility for his sins, and said, “she is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” (Gen 38:26)
The story of Tamar and Judah demonstrates that God can use the most scandalous circumstances for His purposes. Tamar became the first women mentioned in the genealogy of the Messiah, where Tamar and Judah’s son, Perez, became the father of Hezron. (Matt 1:3) The lineage of Jesus continued, despite a bump in the road.
RAHAB The HARLOT.
Everyone knew her profession. She was that Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho. Throughout the Bible she was known as Rahab the harlot. Even in the faith chapter she is called Rahab the prostitute. (Heb 11:31)
But Rahab was also known for something else, something much more important. She was the one who kept the Israelite spies safe in her home in Jericho when they were sent by Joshua to spy out the land. (Josh 2) She willingly lied to the King of Jericho about the whereabouts of the spies, jeopardizing her own safety, because “the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” (Josh 2: 11) How often do we judge people by things that don’t matter—their appearance, their house, their wealth, or their “job”, when what we need to focus on is their faith, and that God can redeem anyone. Even a prostitute. That is what the coming of the Messiah was all about—redemption.
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab.” (Matt1:5)
RUTH
There are so many words that you could use to describe Ruth. Faithful, selfless, caring, giving, devoted, loving, reliable, unwavering, a Moabite.
Ruth’s husband had died, and there were no more sons of Naomi for her to marry. Even Naomi’s husband had died. There was no way for Naomi to provide for Ruth. So, Naomi gave Ruth permission to return to her native home where her family could provide for her. She refused. Why? Because Ruth loved Naomi with a steadfast love. “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die.” (Ruth 1:16,17). She promised to love and care for Naomi until the end. She did not have to do that. She was free to return home. She chose to stay.
In God’s perfect timing and plan, Ruth, the Moabite, was blessed with a husband by the name of Boaz. They had a son named Obed, who had a son named Jesse, who had a son named David. (Matt 1:5)
BATHSHEBA
If you take a quick glance through the genealogy, you will not notice the name of Bathsheba. That is because Bathsheba is referred to as Uriah’s wife. “David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.” (Matt 1:6) Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah. You probably remember that story. As the story goes, Bathsheba was the faithful wife of Uriah. King David spotted her one day out on a roof top and desired her. Since David was the King, what the king said or wanted must be obeyed. She obeyed him, and in the end, King David arranged for Uriah’s murder to cover his sin. Eventually David married Bathsheba, but it is heartbreaking that King David’s life is marred by adultery and murder. Yet it demonstrated how desperately Israel and David needed the promised Messiah, and how desperately we need him too, “because he will save his people from their sins.” (v21)
“David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.” (Matt 1:6)
MARY
She was willing. She was humble. She believed in God. She submitted to God’s will and plan. She was young, and she was a virgin. Miraculously, she was a mother—the mother of Jesus who was called the Messiah.
Mary’s story of the virgin birth of Jesus was improbable if it weren’t for the working of the Holy Spirit. But it is true. Soon the whole world would know.
In the quiet of the night shepherds were in the fields taking care of their sheep, when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them awakening them out of their drowsiness. They were terrified. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11) Then “suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rest.” (Luke 2: 13-14) The shepherds traveled to Bethlehem, and there they saw the baby Jesus, surrounded by Joseph and Mary, his mother. After seeing Him, they testified to what they had seen, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. (Luke 2:16-18) Very soon the whole world would know.
“And Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.” (Matt. 1:16)
It is true.
Reflection Questions
Question One: Why do you think that Matthew included the names of these women in the genealogy of Jesus, when it was not customary to do so? Which story was your favorite? Why?
Question Two: How do you think Matthew intended these stories of these five women to impact your understanding of the coming Messiah? Which of the five stories had the most impact on you? Why?
Question Three: Do you think that the instances of adultery, prostitution, and murder were just happenstances or planned? Did those sins ruin the story line of the Messiah or make it more meaningful? How does that impact what you believe about the fulfillment of the purposes of God?
Question Four: What about your life? Do you have skeletons tucked away in your closet that keep you from working out the plans and purposes of God in your life? Can you now break free from that after hearing the stories of Tamar and Judah, Rahab the Harlot, or Bathsheba and David?
Anticipation. It’s the worst. But it’s also the best. On one hand, being hopeful and excited about an upcoming event can be agonizing. On the other, you can feel joy and peace in the waiting.
The end of the book of Zechariah paints a vibrant picture for us of the return of Jesus. It tells us what it will look like – his feet on the Mount of Olives, the mountain split into two, his light illuminating all the earth, living waters flowing. But, the book doesn’t reveal a crucial part – the when. No one knows the day or the hour of Jesus’ return, and if you are anything like me, this can drive you a little crazy. I’m filled with so much awe and wonder when I read these verses and meditate on what is to come. But I can’t escape wondering about the when.
However, I do not want to be anxious about it. I don’t want to focus so much on the when that I neglect two other vital pieces – the who and the why.
See, when Jesus comes back, I want to be ready for him. Every day I want to know him more, love him more deeply and live more like he did. This is how I prepare. And, I want to be sure that those I love are found the same when he comes back. That is my calling. That is the who.
And the why? Because God loved us, He sent his son to save us. In focusing on that truth I can live each day trusting God that His timing is best. I don’t need to worry about when. I just need to do my part – preparing, praying, loving and serving. Because He loves me, and I can rest easily in that, waiting for His perfect timing.
Reflection Questions:
How do you handle anticipation?
Who is your “who?”
What is one way today that you can focus on the “why?”
Have you ever heard someone say “I see the writing on the wall…”?
Sometimes the truth of a situation can be so obvious and plain that we can do nothing but accept it as reality. After the reign of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, his son Belshazzar took the Babylonian throne (Daniel 5:1-2). As a son, he no doubt saw the amazing transformation of his father from a king who worshipped gods of gold and silver to a devoted worshipper of the one True Living God (Daniel 4). But he failed to acknowledge God as the source of his wealth and power. Instead, Belshazzar gave praise and thanksgiving to the old gods of his father Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 5:4). As a consequence, The One True Living God (our God Yahweh) decided to destroy the Babylonian empire because of the sinfulness of its leader, King Belshazzar.
What Belshazzar needed to read was “the writing on the wall”. Daniel tells us that the “fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace” (Daniel 5:5). The king was terrified and pleaded for someone to help him understand the writing that had appeared on the wall. Once again, Daniel was brought before the king to interpret the strange message – Mene, Mene, Tekel, Peres.
As we have seen, Daniel was a devoted follower of the One True Living God. All the days of his captivity in Babylon, Daniel had been richly blessed by God. Daniel was able to read the writing on the wall. He delivered the terrible message that Belshazzar would be brought to an end, that he had been found guilty of sin, and that his kingdom would fall to his enemies. Stunned by the message, Belshazzar rewarded Daniel for his honesty and skill in deciphering the message. That very night, the king would be killed by the enemies of Babylon, the Medes and Persians.
It is difficult to face the truth of sin in our lives. Each of us, like Belshazzar, has been “weighed in the balances and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27). Each of us has been found guilty by God because of the sin that is in each of us. His word says that each of us has sinned and fallen far short of God’s glorious, holy standards (Romans 3:23). Like Belshazzar, we deserve to suffer the consequence of that sin (Romans 6:23). But God desires to offer His grace to each of us. He wants to forgive us of our sin and restore us to a right relationship. He gave us this chance by delivering up His only Son to be the “atoning sacrifice” to take away our sin (Romans 3:25). Though we deserve spiritual and eternal separation from God, He graciously offers to us a path of salvation. Some believe that Nebuchadnezzar may have submitted himself to the one True God. This new faith in God could have resulted in his redemption. God himself refers to Nebuchadnezzar three times as his “servant” (Jeremiah 25:9, 27:6, and 43:10). Perhaps, just maybe he was a recipient of God’s amazing grace.
The message is so clear and is freely given to each of us. It is as if He wrote the message clearly upon the walls of our hearts and minds (Ezekiel 36:27-28). The message of grace, freely given by God, to offer us salvation and adoption into His family – through faith (Ephesians 2:8). This very moment, will you read the “writing on the wall” and place your faith in the Son of God, for the forgiveness of sin?
Questions for Discussion:
Why did God continue to bless Daniel during the reign of three different kings?
Why do you suppose Belshazzar fully accepted Daniel’s interpretation of the writing on the wall?
Daniel consistently stood for God despite dangerous opposition. How can you faithfully submit to God in your situations?
When we have something important to tell someone and we want to make sure they understand, we will repeat it many times. In the small book of Joel, “the day of the Lord” is mentioned five times, so we know that this is its central theme. That lets us know that what he is telling us is important to understand, he wants to make sure we get it.
There are two “Days of the Lord” mentioned. One is a past event, Israel had been ravaged by locusts: gnawing locusts, swarming locusts, creeping locusts, and stripping locusts. This was a judgement against Israel and the sins against God that they committed. In Chapter 1:14 to gain repentance Joel suggests that they: “consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all inhabitants of Israel to the house of the Lord, and cry out to the Lord.” He understood their need for repentance. Chapter 2: 12-13 says “’Yet even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘Return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping, and mourning; and tear your heart and not merely your garments.’ Now return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in mercy and relenting of catastrophe.” He tells us that we have to do more than tearing our clothes (an outward sign), we need to change our hearts, if we do that, God will forgive us.
It even says that he will make up for the years that the locusts have taken and that his spirit will be poured out on all mankind. That verse is very important to all of us. Chapter 2:28 says “It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, your young men will see visions.” This is no longer just to the Israelites, he is talking to all of us about a future “day of the Lord.” The people of Israel had to go to the temple to receive forgiveness of their sins with an animal sacrifice. God made a new way when he gave us Jesus as our sacrificial lamb, so now we can repent and be baptized and our sins are forgiven. We look forward to the future “day of the Lord”, when Jesus will return to the earth, and will usher in the Kingdom of God. What a glorious Day that will be!
Reflection Questions
Why is repentance – and how we do it – important to God? What gets in the way of our true repentance?
Contrast the mood in the beginning of Joel to the mood at the end. What makes the difference?
Devotion by Pastor Jeff Fletcher – originally posted for SeekGrowLove on March 25, 2017, for Ezekiel 22-23.
Throughout Ezekiel there are certain themes that keep circling back around: God’s judgment against Jerusalem, Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. In today’s reading we see another very graphic depiction of Israel’s immorality. This time, it’s the northern kingdom of Samaria and the southern kingdom of Judah. They are likened to two sisters who prostitute themselves. They again perform lewd acts shaming themselves before their neighbors. It’s very sad, indeed.
God searches for someone to help: “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” God could find no one righteous to fill the gap and act as the mediator between God and His people.
We know the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ and God’s Kingdom. One day, Jesus would stand in the gap to keep God from destroying the earth. Jesus on the cross fills the gap between a holy God and a sinful people.
I hope that these devotions from Ezekiel will help you to see some important truths with greater clarity. God loves His people very much. God wants His people to be faithful and obedient. Some are and some aren’t. When His people are unfaithful, God brings calamity and judgment, in order to turn people’s hearts back to Him. It’s not the judgment that ultimately turn hearts, but it’s the fact that despite all of our wicked acts that deserve punishment, God is faithful to His promises and His steadfast love remains. Ultimately, it’s God’s mercy that leads us to repentance. May you know His love and His mercy through Jesus Christ, the man who did stand in the Gap for us.
Reflection Questions
What are the main themes of Ezekiel? How can we learn from them?
How does Jesus, a mediator to fill the gap, change the relationship between God and His people? How has it impacted your relationship with God?
Devotion by Pastor Jeff Fletcher – originally posted for SeekGrowLove on March 23, 2017, for Ezekiel 17-19.
God used the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar to enact His judgment against Israel. He carried off King Jehoiachin and 10,000 nobles to Babylon and installed Zedekiah to act as his vice regent or king in Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah warned Israel that this was God’s judgment and that the exiles would not return from Babylon until the people repented. But the people didn’t listen and false prophets gave Israel false hope that Babylon might soon fall. So Zedekiah broke his treaty with Nebuchadnezzar and made an alliance with Egypt. This led to a revolt against Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar crushed the revolt. Eventually, Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar and King Zedekiah and family were carried back to Babylon where they faced Nebuchadnezzar’s wrath. Zedekiah had his eyes put out and his sons were executed. Israel did not repent quickly nor easily, and because of her stubborn disobedience they continued to suffer.
In Ezekiel 17 God chose to use the allegory of an eagle plucking up the top of a cedar and then replanting it to depict His judgment against His people and to remind them of His power to build and His power to destroy.
In Ezekiel 18 God gives a very clear teaching to His people on the nature of sin, righteousness, judgement, repentance and forgiveness. Each person is responsible for their own actions. Parents are not held responsible by God for the sins of their children, and children are not held responsible by God for the sins of their parents. Each person is responsible for their own behavior. In the same way, you don’t get credit for your parents good behavior if you do bad. Each person is responsible for their own sin and will be judged accordingly.
There is good news imbedded in Ezekiel 18. God doesn’t take any pleasure in seeing wicked people die. God wants to see people who do evil turn away from their evil. God wants everyone to repent. If an evil person repents, God will not punish them. If a righteous person turns evil, they will be punished for their evil behavior. God is a God of both mercy and justice. He will punish unrepentant evildoers and he will forgive and restore those who repent of their evil. This chapter is best summarized in the final three verses: 30“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? 32For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!
In Ezekiel 19, there is a lament for the end of the Messianic dynasty that came from David. Since the time of David, his descendants, beginning with Solomon reigned as Kings over Israel. But that has been brought to an end. There were no more descendants of David serving as the Lord’s anointed over Israel. Of course, we have the benefit of hindsight. We live on this side of the New Testament. After several hundred years of NOT having a descendent of David as King of Israel, one was finally born in Bethlehem and his name is Jesus. One day, Jesus will sit upon the throne and rule over not only Israel, but all the earth. In the meantime, we have a choice, we can turn away from our sins and turn to God, or we can face the judgment. Jesus Christ is God’s provision for our salvation. We go to him to get a new heart and a new spirit.
Reflection Questions
Why did God provide an allegory for the people in Ezekiel 17?
How often is suffering directly or indirectly an effect of disobedience to God or a lack of repentance?
Is it easier or harder to read, study, believe, and live out the Old Testament teachings now or before the New Testament was written? What are the advantages to each side? How can that impact how we read the Bible today and how should we respond?
Devotion by Pastor Jeff Fletcher – originally posted for SeekGrowLove on March 22, 2017, for Ezekiel 14-16.
Chapter 14 gives us a picture of the heart of God. Elsewhere in the Bible it says that God is a jealous God. God loves His people Israel as a husband loves his bride. Israel turned away from God’s love, their hearts were no longer given to God. God wants more than anything else to recapture the hearts of His people who deserted him to pursue idols. God wants them to repent and turn back to Him.
God wants to have His people love Him exclusively. He will not let them worship idols, yet still come to him for prophecy. This would be similar to a woman who both goes to her lover but then comes to her husband as well. God will have none of this, no two timing wife. Israel must have a change of heart and that will only happen through judgment. The prophets were not permitted to prophesy for people who were also consulting idols. If the prophets did prophesy to those seeking idols, they too would be punished.
God tells Ezekiel that His judgment is certain and that no human being, no matter how righteous or faithful can stop that judgment. He warns that even if such great men of faith as Noah, Daniel or Job sought to keep Israel from judgment that their righteousness would not be able to save Israel.
In Chapter 15 God promises to make Jerusalem as desolate and useless as a dried up vine that has been thrown into a fire. Just as the vine will be totally consumed by the fire, so too, will Jerusalem be consumed by the fire of God’s judgment.
Chapter 16 is one of the most graphic passages in all of the Bible. If the Song of Solomon was rated PG-13, Ezekiel 16 would probably be rated R or NC-17. It is extremely disturbing to read. God compares Israel to an unwanted, discarded child whom God rescued from its disgrace. God later came along when Israel was old enough to be married, but she was naked and dirty. God cleaned her up, covered over her nakedness, dressed her up like a princess and made her his bride. Israel was blessed beyond imagination by God her husband. But then, tragically, Israel turned to prostitution. Here Idolatry is likened to a form of spiritual adultery. Israel had brought great shame upon her husband. In fact, she was worse than a prostitute in that she paid others her gold and silver to sleep with her. It’s such a disturbing picture. And it’s designed to give us a visceral reaction. It’s a gut punch.
The fact that God must punish Israel for her spiritual adultery is not surprising. Israel is only getting what they deserve. What is surprising is that God is going to restore Israel. Not because Israel deserves it now any more than it deserved it when God first cleaned her up and made her His bride. God is doing it because God is faithful to His Covenant promises. God made a promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants, Israel. God does not forget His covenant or break his promises. God is filled with steadfast love for His people.
After punishing Israel, God will then make atonement for them. He will cover over their sin and guilt and forgive them and take them back. Then they will remember their vows and be ashamed of their guilt and will become a faithful wife and turn away from idols.
As Christians, we have been grafted into God’s family and we are now included as God’s bride. Through Jesus Christ God has found us in our sin, cleaned us up and made us His own. Are we sometimes guilty of idolatry? Do we ever act unfaithfully toward God and give our hearts to someone or something else instead of God? Remember, Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to Love God with all your heart. God wants All your heart. God is jealous when we give our hearts to another. May Israel’s spiritual adultery remind us that we must give our hearts fully only to God and no one else. Otherwise, God may have to win our hearts back the way he did Israel, and we can see how unpleasant that process was for them. Let’s always keep our hearts faithful to God alone.
Reflection Questions
What promises had God already made to the Israelite people?
What must the people do to keep their side of the covenant promises with God?
What can you do to give all your heart to God and avoid spiritual adultery?
Devotion by Pastor Jeff Fletcher – originally posted for SeekGrowLove on March 20, 2017, for Ezekiel 5-9.
This portion of Ezekiel is, admittedly, difficult to read. It’s a pretty graphic account of God impending judgment against the city of Jerusalem and his people, Israel. God tells Ezekiel to shave his head and beard. This would have been an act of mourning for most people, but it was double disturbing for Ezekiel, since he was a priest and normally forbidden from shaving his head or beard. Ezekiel was told to burn, take a sword to, and scatter his cut hair. This was to symbolize what was to happen to Israel. A few hairs were kept back, symbolic of the remnant who would not be destroyed.
God accuses his people, Israel, the chosen nation, of being worse than the other nations. They broke the law more than the nations that did not have the law. God was bringing his judgment against His own people. The description of the siege almost defies comprehension, including cannibalism of both parents and children. This was to serve as a warning to the other nations: if this is how God treats his own people for their idolatry, beware of what he will do to you.
In Ezekiel six God makes it clear that their judgement is upon them because of their idolatry. However, there is a remnant that will be spared and live in captivity and will come to repentance.
In Ezekiel seven, a special emphasis is made regarding their idolatrous attachment to gold and silver. This wealth that they turned to and fashioned into idols will be unable to save them from the coming judgment. All the money in the world can’t save you from judgment.
In Chapter eight Ezekiel has a vision of the temple in Jerusalem. This includes the “Idol of jealousy” which we discover is the pagan god Tammuz. Tammuz was the Sumerian god of food and vegetation. At the summer solstice there was a period of mourning as the people saw the shortening of days and the approaching drought. Sacrifices were made to Tammuz at the door of the Jerusalem Temple. This was an absolute abomination to Israel’s God, YHWH as He made it clear that He alone was to be worshipped as God (see Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
In Chapter Nine an angel is sent out to put a mark on all of the people of the city who did not commit idolatry and worship Tammuz. They would be spared. But then all those who did not receive a mark would be destroyed. This is reminiscent of the story of Exodus, when the doorposts of the Israelites were to be marked with the blood of the sacrificial lamb, and those with the mark were spared their firstborn sons dying when the Angel of Death passed over their houses. It also points to the future (See Revelation 13) when the beast will cause people to have a mark on their forehead or they would not be able to buy or sell. This is contrasted with those in Revelation 14 who have the name of God and of the lamb on their foreheads.
God is a God of love and mercy. God has provided a means for us to be rescued from the consequences of sin. There is a way for each of us to be spared the final judgment of God that is coming. Jesus Christ, the lamb of God is the only means by which we can escape judgment. Along with God’s mercy is His holiness. God will not allow sin and rebellion to continue on earth forever. A day of judgment is coming for all the earth just as it did for the nation of Israel. God tolerated their sin for only so long, and then came the time for judgment. Mercifully, God spared those who repented by placing His mark upon them. God has been tolerating sinful rebellion on earth, but a day is coming when He will destroy sin and sinners who have not repented and turned away from their sins and turned to him through Jesus Christ. Ezekiel’s harsh imagery should remind us that we must not forget that God’s wrath is coming from which we all need to escape, and we need to warn others. This won’t make us popular, but doing God’s will is seldom popular among the rebellious.
Reflection Questions
What idols are present in the world today? And in your life?
How does God’s love and mercy work with His justice?
Has popularity ever been an idol for you over God’s will? When have you chosen popularity over God’s will? When have you chosen God’s will over popularity?
Seek Grow Love 