Divine Faithfulness Amid Discipline
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Ezekiel 25, 26 and Psalm 3 (NIV)
(Justin Ong, Associate Lay Leader)
READ:
Ezekiel 25, 26 and Psalm 3 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Ezekiel 25, the prophet Ezekiel communicates God’s judgments against four neighboring nations of Israel: Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. These nations are condemned for their actions against Israel and Judah.
Ammon and Moab, both descendants of Abraham’s nephew Lot, along with Edom, descendants of Jacob’s brother Esau, share historical ties with Israel. Meanwhile, Philistia, a frequent adversary, had its land granted to Israel by divine decree.
Ezekiel 26 focuses on the prophecy against the city of Tyre. Tyre was an influential and wealthy city-state known for its trading prowess. Initially, it had a friendly relationship with Israel and Judah, especially during the reigns of David and Solomon. King Hiram of Tyre provided materials and craftsmen for the construction of Solomon’s Temple. Here, however, Tyre is condemned because of its joy over Jerusalem’s fall, seeking to capitalize on its neighbor’s misfortune.
Psalm 3 is a psalm of David, written during a time of great personal distress when his son Absalom rebelled against him. The psalm reflects David’s unwavering faith in God amidst adversity.
These messages reveal God’s eternal commitment to His covenant with Abraham and David. Even when Israel experienced discipline for its unfaithfulness, God’s love remained constant, aiming to bring about repentance.
APPLY:
Every now and then, I stumble, much like Israel and David did when faced with temptations. Yet, God’s faithfulness remains unwavering. Through repentance, I can seek His boundless mercy and grace, finding refuge in His loving embrace.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
DO:
Through the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit, may I faithfully emulate David’s trust demonstrated in Psalm 3. May I discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance, avoiding any actions that might disappoint Christ.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of David who, despite the multitude of enemies that sought his destruction, and in spite of the many trials and tribulations he faced, he remained a man after God’s own heart by trusting You through all the changing scenes of his life. When the whole world seemed to turn against him, when his legacy was taken away, and even when he was betrayed by those he trusted, David turned to You. He was real about his struggles, radical in lifting his eyes to You, and bold in his prayers. Lord, help me learn from David’s faith and find my refuge in You, my shield, glory, and the lifter of my head. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
