Monthly Archives: August 2011
“they shall know that I am the LORD”
The book of Ezekiel uses this phrase SIXTY times in its 48 chapters, most of them in chapters 27-29 as God declares destruction and judgment of the neighbors of the Jews.
The Lord reveals His attributes through His judgments just as much as He does through His blessings, and sometimes His judgments get our attention much more quickly – Wiersbe
Ezekiel 29-32 continue in the description of the judgment of a very famous Old Testament country, Egypt. You know, the pyramid building, pharaoh worshipping, Nile reliant society. A country that for long had dominated the Middle East, would lose its power and would never return to the glory of its Pharaoh days. Even after God had judged Egypt with the plagues prior to the exodus, Egypt failed to see God as the ultimate sovereign of the world. But “they shall know that I am the Lord, ” would be said of them following the Babylonian takeover of this country.
How often do we come to a “they shall know that I am the Lord” moment in our lives. As the Wiersbe quote above displays, it’s usually through the times of “judgment” on our lives after we have lived with unconfessed sins.
I want to live today knowing my God through a closer walk I develop with HIM. If I am honored enough to be granted HIS blessings today, may I “know that HE is the LORD.” Being reminded of HIS creation, HIS protection, HIS direction, HIS guidance, HIS love, HIS provision, HIS sweet care in the daily moments I live out. These are the character traits of God that allow me to know HE IS THE LORD.
God’s Glory Revealed Through Judgment
Ezekiel 25 -28
Most of the book of Ezekiel up to this point has been a review of the sins of Judah and the destruction that was coming their way. But chapters 25-28 go a different direction as God reveals to Ezekiel the judgment coming to the neighbors of Judah. Over and over, God repeats that because of their sin (whether it be vengeance, hatred, pride, etc) they too would see judgment just as the Jews would see.
And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them. – Ez. 25:17
I will be glorified in the midst of thee; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her. – Ez. 28:22
These neighboring countries had observed what was going on with Judah. They saw how for a time they had proclaimed their trust in a divine God and then observed as these same people turned on their God as they were enticed with the idolatry of those around them. The Jews lost the opportunity to demonstrate the glory and greatness of God; they could have accomplished much for their God if they would have remained strong in His might. Instead, there were given over to the lusts of their own flesh and were ineffective in showing the work of God in their nation.
I too am in the midst of “neighboring countries.” I am called to be separated unto Christ so that those around may see His glory and His greatness. Yet how often do I become enticed by the “frills” that the world has to offer. I think every Christian at some time has contemplated how to both live in this world and at the same time be an effective example of God, showing HIS character. There’s a fine line where reaching out to people wherever they are in life can become a hindrance to living out our purpose to glorify God. Perhaps you have been able to discern between the two better than I. I want people around me to see Christ in me; I don’t want to come off as “elitist” or “haughty” because I have Christ and they don’t.
Jenn in a Blog 