Beware! But There Is Hope!
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Ezekiel 13, 14 and Psalm 144 (NIV)
(Julian Lim, Precept Facilitator)
READ:
God saw the folly and wickedness of mankind when He looked down from heaven in Psalm 14. There is no God, people declared. In Ezekiel 13 and 14, God in His anger condemned the foolish prophets who practised falsehood and led His people astray. God also brought judgement on the elders of Israel who became a stumbling block and led the people into idolatry.
OBSERVE:
God is sovereign and righteous. He will never tolerate wickedness and evil amongst His chosen people. He warned the prophets of Israel of their lies and instructed Ezekiel, His prophet to declare many times that He is sovereign and is against them setting idols in their hearts. Life is truly under the direction and governance of Almighty God. He defends the righteous and those who are being oppressed, is ever present in their lives and will be their refuge (Psalm 14:5-6). As a child of God, I need to heed God’s Word and hide it in my heart so that I do not sin against Him.
APPLY:
God has created me in His image to bear His likeness and therefore I should learn to be holy and blameless before Him (Ephesians 1:3-4). He knows my fears and tears. I can find my hope in Him. My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let my foot slip- He who watches over me will not slumber (Psalm 121:1-3)
I recalled last year when I had to face difficult exchanges with my neighbour and did not know how to resolve the issue. I turned to the one and only Sovereign Lord who is in total control of all situations. God indeed answered my prayer and in His own way and timing brought the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.
DO:
I can safely call on Him in prayer for I know God is with me when I face opposition and challenges. Whether they are small or big ones, He is my refuge.
PRAY:
Almighty God, thank You for being there when I needed You most. You are forever faithful and good to those who love and obey You. Teach me to always put my faith in You, knowing Your way is the right one. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
