honor God – Be Still…

Ezekiel 33:21-33 – Remaining Faithful

Read Ezekiel 33:21-33

It’s an interesting experience reading through Ezekiel realizing that his time stamped prophecies are not in chronological order. If your brain works craves “order” like mine, I’ve put a post over in the “Devotions on the Go!” Facebook group that sets out the order one should read these dated texts.

The good news is that we’re now in the final section of Ezekiel’s writings which are more filled with hope. As Israel’s watchman, Ezekiel will now focus more on the restoration of God’s people. Will they at last respond favorably to God? Continue reading “Ezekiel 33:21-33 – Remaining Faithful”

Ezekiel 22:23-31 – He Found Nobody!

Read Ezekiel 22:23-31

No wonder the Israelites were disobedient – it trickled down from corrupt leadership. We’ve heard that before, but what struck me was that God could find nobody in all the land who “might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land.” I suppose if someone was at one time devoted, it would be easy to convert to idol worshippers just to be popular or accepted by society. It’s powerful to know God didn’t want to have to resort to total destruction. The people clearly did bring it on themselves with their disobedience and irreverence.

Even today we have pockets of believers living amidst those caught up in the snare of evil. It can be hard to not give in to fit in mindset. Thankfully God would still be able to find somebody to help him rebuild those walls. These verses speak volumes about the importance of having godly leaders, don’t they? Continue reading “Ezekiel 22:23-31 – He Found Nobody!”

Ezekiel 22:17-22 – Refining Fire

Read Ezekiel 22:17-22

What this reading made me think of was song lyrics. This song “Refiner’s Fire” was an oldie but goodie when I started using it as a prayer in worship. “I choose to be holy, ready to do Your will.” To serve like Jesus served. We want to be set apart, seen as different from the world. Such beautiful lyrics to “live by” and use as prayer verses.

Those lyrics are certainly a different angle from the image of the refining fire Ezekiel speaks of in this passage. I’m not sure I want to spend a lot of time reflecting on people who God considers “worthless slag.” I have to admit, I didn’t know what “slag” was until I read these verses. Continue reading “Ezekiel 22:17-22 – Refining Fire”

2 Chronicles 29:1-17 – Who God Chooses

Read 2 Chronicles 29:1-17

King Hezekiah wasted no time in setting his kingdom up for success. It’s like he went on a rampage to cleanse the LORD’s temple. After seeing how his father had ruled Judah the wrong way, Hezekiah wanted to make sure to do it right and see the LORD was honored.

Do you think the Levites and priests were surprised? If they were, they sure acted quickly. They listened to the king’s instructions and followed the proper procedures according to God’s law. In only sixteen days, the temple was restored.

2 Chronicles 2:11-18 – A King’s Reply

Read 2 Chronicles 2:11-18

King Solomon has now received King Hiram’s response to the letter we were privy to in the last reading. We learn a few things of note in Hiram’s letter of reply. What did you notice?

First and foremost, we learn that King Hiram has great respect for the God of Israel. Generally speaking, the people of Tyre were not Israelites and they did not worship God. They had many gods distracting them from the truth. Yet, King Hiram says very affirming things about our God. He actually shows a lot more reverence than most non-believers today.