Day 237

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Ezekiel a Watchman on the Wall

Scripture

August 24—Ezekiel 33-36: New Shepherd for Israel

Observation

Chapter 33 marks a central point in the book of Ezekiel. Chapters 1-32 are saturated with statements of sin and punishment. From now till the end of the book, the prophet will fashion a catalog of comfort as he scans the prophetic horizon as a watchman on the wall. Beyond judgment God will regather and restore his people, and in the process establish a new covenant with them. Glory will prevail when the groaning has ceased.

Application

Mark Twain perhaps said it best: "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the flower leaves on the heel of the one who crushed it."

When was the last time someone came to you and asked, "Will you forgive me?" Even more important, when was the last time you asked forgiveness from someone else?

For the nation of Judah, the promise of forgiveness is woven throughout the fiber of chapter 36. Forgiveness provides a refreshing shower for the mind and spirit. It allows you to serve God freely, wholeheartedly, and unencumbered. It is like a heavy burden being lifted from your shoulders. Forgiveness provides hope for each new day both for the giver and the receiver.

But you, like the nation of Judah, have a role to play: confession ( 1 John 1:9). Is there anything in your life you've been trying to hide from God? A little sin? A big sin? A recent sin? A long-neglected sin? Maybe you've been thinking God could never forgive you and cleanse you from that secret sin. But according to his Word, nothing is beyond the reach of Christ's cleansing blood ( 1 John 1:7). Will you lay it out before him right now? He wants to remove the stain, remove the guilt and renew a right spirit within you. Will you let him?

Prayer

Oh, Lord, we know holiness of heart and life satisfy you and it will serve as a witness to your lost sheep. This dark sinful world we live in needs to see our shining like and be fed. They need to know you sent us a Savior who's making atonement for our sins so all they need to know is to turn from their wicked ways, confess their sins before Jesus and believe he died and rose from the dead and is now preparing a place for us in eternity. We pray this day and each day for you to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and we ask this for your glory. In Jesus's name we pray! Amen!

Be a Shining Light for Jesus!


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business!

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