READING: Ezekiel 38-39
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: We’ve seen these themes throughout Ezekiel. God brought judgment on His people, hiding His face from them for their iniquities (Ezek. 39:23-24). He made Himself known to the nations when He judged His people, and He would make Himself known to them again by restoring His people. In fact, He would demonstrate His holiness by holding them accountable for their sin and later returning them to the land; He would not only judge sin, but He would also keep His word to restore Israel.
It’s this text that grabs my attention today:
Ezek. 39:25 So this is what the Lord God says: “Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have compassion on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for My holy name."
God is jealous for His holy name. I know that truth, but I doubt I’ve considered it deeply enough. The word translated as “jealous” might also be “zealous,” thus, describing a God who is passionate for His name and His glory. Others in Ezekiel’s day apparently said He was not strong enough to protect His people (for, after all, their enemy carried them in bondage out of their country), but He would eventually prove Himself almighty. He would not allow others to profane His name any longer.
This God alone is worthy. He is Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Ruler. He will not allow His glory to be robbed, nor will He share it with others. He who is holy has a right to demand that we as His followers would also be holy — and that’s where I must meditate and pray:
- Am I zealous for God’s holiness to be evident in my life?
- Do I guard my holiness — that is, do I jealously protect it — so nothing else would dare encroach upon it?
And, if necessary, am I willing for God to put me in exile if that’s what it takes for me to holy? Am I that jealous for His name?
PRAYER: “God, make me holy. Make me jealous for Your holiness so I block anything that could overshadow it. Today, turn my heart toward You like never before.”
TOMORROW¹S READING: Ezekiel 40-41
