Read Ezekiel 14:12-23
This vision from the LORD sets apart three holy men, Noah, Daniel, and Job. God recognizes them for their righteousness. But even their righteousness pooled together would not be enough to rescue the Israelites from doom. That gives Ezekiel and us and tangible picture of how far the Israelites have fallen.
In fact, this message confirms we are responsible for our own mess. However, as Christ followers, we know there is hope, and that hope lies in Jesus. Until Jesus came, people were lost in their sins unless they purified themselves according to the law. How fortunate we are to have Jesus as our sacrificial lamb.
As followers of Jesus, we are the ones set apart and chosen by God to receive eternal life. We have an inheritance that can not be taken away from us. Romans 8:38 gives us that great promise. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the power of hell can separate us from God’s love.”
Of course, Ezekiel hadn’t heard Paul’s uplifting words to the Romans. The message God gave Ezekiel was for the present situation involving all the people far from God in those days. There were plenty of them! They were “too far gone” to be saved. In this vision, God was making a point about that.
There were four punishments given for those in Jerusalem to expect: war, famine, wild animals, and disease. All these unpleasant realities came to pass, and there were survivors who joined Ezekiel, already in Babylon. But those survivors would be just as wicked, and God wanted to give ample warning.
We, too, have been given warning about wickedness in the world. Jesus told us to beware. As chosen children of God, we want to stand armed and ready to defend our position, our legacy in Christ. My heart breaks for those far from God, missing out on all the riches of mercy and grace.
How does it make you feel to know you are chosen and set apart. What has God called you to do to make a difference?
Let’s pray. LORD, thank you that you’ve chosen me and set me apart to serve you. I am humbled and honored. Help me defeat the evil desires that try to derail me. I want to know you more and live in your will forever. Thank you for how you prepare me each day. May I keep my eyes focused only on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
