READING: Ezekiel 9-12
“The glory of the Lord rose up from within the city and stopped on the mountain east of the city.”
Ezekiel 11:23
The judgment of God on His people was dramatic. In fact, Ezekiel wrote of a picture of God’s glory departing the temple and the city of Jerusalem: “The glory of the Lord rose up from within the city and stopped on the mountain east of the city” (Ezek. 11:23). God had been patient and forgiving, but His patience had come to an end. That glory would eventually return to Jerusalem (Ezek. 43:1-4), but nothing would stop the judgment for now.
As a minister of the gospel, I can think of few things as disconcerting as the idea that God might remove His hand from my ministry. I don’t believe genuine believers can lose their salvation, but I do believe God is not under obligation to bless our work when we live in rebellion. What most frightens me is that the work might still go on, but the glory of God is waiting patiently on a mountain in the distance.
I don’t want to bank on God’s patience and mercy so strongly that I ignore the possibility of God’s removing His blessing from my work. I want to long for His presence and His power.
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God for both His mercy and His warnings.
- Live in such a way that God’s blessing and glory reside on your work.
PRAYER: “God, I don’t want to take a step without You leading me. Show me Your glory.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 13-16