Ezekiel 21
ScriptureEzekiel 21:15-17 15 So that hearts may melt with fear and the fallen be many,I have stationed the sword for slaughter[b] at all their gates.Look! It is forged to strike like lightning, it is grasped for slaughter.16 Slash to the right, you sword, then to the left, wherever your blade is turned.17 I too will strike my hands together, and my wrath will subside.I the Lord have spoken.”ObservationIf I can be completely honest…Ezekiel has been the HARDEST book for me to Soul Journal on. And I’m pretty sure what I took from today’s is perhaps out of context. My understanding of this chapter, based on the commentaries is that it’s a further development of the prophecy in Chapter 20…that the people complained they could not understand. [I’m with them!] That being said, though, God used this to burden my heart towards the lost.UnderstandingGod calls us to love Him, to prioritize Him, to KNOW Him and make Him known. And, though, I don’t follow these prophecies, what burdened my heart is the experience of the rebellious and the lost - death and destruction. Verses 15-17 speak to a specific wrath to be experienced by a specific group of people…but it is not unlike what will be experienced by those who don’t know and/or choose Christ. Here it speaks of slaughter by sword; our understanding of hell is separation from Christ, blazing fire, weeping and gnashing of teeth. Life ApplicationSo…while my context may be off base, I think the response should be the same. Just as Ezekiel sought to warn the people, our hearts should be to live in a way that draws people to God!God, I’m so grateful for the hope provided because of the cross! May we live on purpose, with the desire to know you and make you known! May I be bold in my obedience. Open my eyes to ways to share your love today. In your name I pray, Amen. - ReiTo check out the discussion or to join in click here.