Ezekiel 43
Scripture
Ezekiel 43:8-9 NLT
“They put their idol altars right next to mine with only a wall between them and me. They defiled my holy name by such detestable sin, so I consumed them in my anger. Now let them stop worshiping other gods and honoring the relics of their kings, and I will live among them forever.”
Observation-What does it say?
The Israelites were living sinful lives. They were worshiping other kings' gods, building idol altars next to God's altar, and honoring the relics of their kings. This drew the Lord's anger. Now the Israelites were exiled into Babylon. But even through all that, God is a God who will fulfill His promise. He wanted Ezekiel to let the people know that they must stop their foolish behavior, build Him an altar to His specifications, consecrate the altar to His orders, and then He will fulfill His gracious promise of bringing them back to the Promised Land and dwelling in their midst forever.
Understanding-What does it mean?
I'm so glad I serve a God who gives us "second chances" and is true to His word.
God could have easily banished the Israelites forever from the Promised Land and His presence. But instead, He remembers His covenant with Abraham, His promise for his people. He gives them another chance to enter His good grace. God offers the people of Israel repentance. If they repent from their sinfulness and does what He asks of them, He will welcome them back with open arms and dwell with them forever.
It gets me thinking of all the sinful and foolish things I do against God. Yet because of His promise in Jesus Christ, I am saved from banishment from His presence. It also has me thinking of all the people who have wronged me and how I should give them the same grace that God has shown me in life. I must take a stand and act like a man of God no matter how much I may feel I am wronged or how detestable an act is done against me. God's grace must prevail every time!
“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;”-Daniel 9:9
Life Application
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 NLT