Day 230

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Idolatry in the Temple

Scripture

August 17—Ezekiel 7-11: Condemnation for Idolatry

Observation

In chapters 4-6, Ezekiel sees a vision of Jerusalem's fall. Now in today's lesson you will read another word picture as Ezekiel describes the calamity about to descend upon Jerusalem. The idolatrous population will be slaughtered, the city will be burned, God's glory will depart from the temple and Judah's leaders will stand by helplessly. But though the outlook is bleak, the uplook is still bright, for the Holy one of Israel declares: "I will give you one heart and a new spirit; I will take from you your hearts of stone and give you tender hearts of love for God" (11:19).

Application

"Use it or lose it." What is not fostered is forfeited." "For to him who has will more be given but from him who has not,  even the little he has will be taken away" (Matthew 13:12).

Any way you state it, the principle remains the same: spiritual privilege always brings spiritual responsibility. What God has entrusted to you in the form of spiritual blessing, he expects you to use.

Tragically for the nation of Judah, the privilege of enjoying God's presence became a mark of national pride, but the people never took their responsibility to walk in holiness and righteousness seriously. As a result, the glory of God departed from the temple and eventually from the nation. Because the people had not fostered their relationship with God, they forfeited their fellowship with God.

Write down several privileges you enjoy today as part of your spiritual endowment (freedom to study God's word, freedom to worship, etc.) and a corresponding responsibility each privilege brings. Then put into practice the lesson Judah never learned: When it come to your spiritual privileges, use them—don't lose them.

Prayer

Father God, we know that successful prayer goes hand in hand with a life that pleases you. See if there is any offensive ways in us, and lead us in the way of everlasting life. We do not want you to remove your Glory from our life for we want to always be in your presence awaiting the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen!
 

Glory be to God!


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business!

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