Ezekiel 21—34

The Big Picture

As we continue through the book of Ezekiel, we see constant affirmation of God’s sovereign hand in world affairs. More than 50 times in the book, God says He will bring about certain events so that people “will know that I am the LORD.”

In these chapters, we read about God’s coming judgment upon the seven nations that are neighbors with Judah. These nations have oppressed the Jewish people for centuries, and God will punish them for their evil deeds against the Israelites.

Things to Watch For

What behaviors does God condemn in these chapters? Note the reasons for God’s judgment against the people of Judah and the neighboring countries. Are there similar behaviors in our own lives that we need to confess and repent of? Though we don’t worship idols of silver or stone, have we set up metaphoric idols in our hearts?

Applications for Today

• God’s judgment is impartial. He judges both His own people (Israel and Judah) and well as the enemies of His people.

• God is very patient when it comes to pouring out His judgment. He gave His people numerous warnings over extended periods of time. Still, we need to be careful that we do not presume on God’s grace when it comes to any sin that might be in our lives. We should be eager to turn away from anything that doesn’t please Him.

Hebrews 10—13

The Big Picture

Up until now, we’ve been reading about Christ’s person, Christ’s priesthood, and Christ’s sacrifice—all of which stand as a testimony of His superiority over angels, Moses, and the priests. He is the great High Priest who accomplished what no angel or human leader could accomplish.

From Hebrews 10:19 onward, we transition from the object of our faith (Christ) to the practice of our faith. Most notable is Hebrews chapter 11, also known as the “Hall of Faith,” where we read about many Old Testament examples of great faith. Many of these people trusted God’s promises and stood strong in faith even though it meant waiting patiently (sometimes for many years!) before those promises were fulfilled.

When we fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, then we are able to endure hardship and divine discipline.

Things to Watch For

Consider the great patience of the individuals in Hebrews chapter 11 as they waited upon God’s promises to them. How does your patience compare? Have you considered that perhaps God is using your difficult circumstances to strengthen your patience and faith?

Applications for Today

• Spiritual maturity takes time. God worked for years in the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, and others in order to cultivate greater faith in them. If you are willing, He can do the same in you.

• It is faith—complete trust in God even when we don’t understand our circumstances—that holds us solid when the storms of life threaten to blow us over. God asks only that we trust Him. He doesn’t ask us to understand Him or figure out the answers on our own.

• When we are in need of help, we need only to fix our eyes upon Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). He knows what it is like to suffer, and by the example He set for us, He can show us the way to victory.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 18th, 2006 at 4:23 pm and is filed under Commentary, Study Tips and Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.