READING: Ezekiel 5:1-9:11
Sometimes I forget just how wicked people can be. As we’ve been reading through the prophets’ writings this year, I’m reminded again and again of all the Hebrews (that is, even the people of God) did in rebellion against Him. I’ve seen their absolute rejection of God, His word, and His standards. Still, though, I was caught off guard by these words in today’s reading: “You have been more unruly than the nations around you and have not followed my decrees or kept my laws. You have not even conformed to the standards of the nations around you” (Ezek 5:7). At least the pagans were faithful to their gods—false though they were—but the Hebrews were not faithful to their God who is the true God.
The people knew better, for they had the word of God and the preaching of the prophets, but still they rebelled. Later, Ezekiel would say the same thing as he compared God’s people to the Gentiles nations around them: “You not only followed their ways and copied their detestable practices, but in all your ways you soon became more depraved than they” (Ezek 16:47). They excelled the wickedness of the pagans around them.
May God help us to see what we saw in yesterday’s devotion – that we need watchmen in our lives who help us stay on the right path when the world pulls at us. Moreover, may He help us listen to them!
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Is the Lord convicting you about some area of your life today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Remind me, Lord, that I still need You and Your grace as much as the Hebrews did.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 10:1-13:23
