SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 30
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them through the countries. Then they will know that I am the Lord. [Ezekiel 30:26]
Sometimes I find it hard to connect the reading for the day to Jesus; today was one of those days, but eventually the Lord led me to see a connection.
The refrain “then they will know that I am the Lord” has been repeated for the whole letter, so I will pick up on that.
But how does the defeat of Egypt and the victory of Babylon reveal that Israel’s God is the Lord of all?
Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: ” ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” [Luke 20:41-44]
Jesus points out here that David, who lived 1000 years before Jesus, was still under the authority of the coming Messiah.
This conversation between ‘the Lord’ and ‘my Lord’ has already happened, it is past tense; in other words, the victories over Israel’s enemies are a part of a previous decision to make enemies a footstool to His (the Messiah’s) feet.
God’s victory over Egypt, and all other nations, as well as His authority over Babylon, shows that His decision stands, He is establishing His kingdom for His Messiah.
Even before the Messiah comes.
The rise and fall of every nation, of every leader, is a part of the outworking of God’s plan to establish His kingdom on earth through His Son.
Jesus is in charge of this universe, and He is directing the affairs of this planet for a definite purpose.
We are a part of this purpose: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” [Matthew 28:18-20]
But even when we are not involved, He is still at work.
So as we enter into the last week before our nation’s election, maybe we could focus our attention behind the scenes to see what Jesus is up to.
And not just focusing our attention on it, let’s get in the game and do our part, and witness to the nations that He is the Lord.
For this is also why we have been dispersed among the nations…
I will disperse (my followers) among the nations and scatter them through the countries. Then they will know that I am the Lord. [Ezekiel 30:26]
PRAYER:
Lord, whatever happens, wherever You disperse us, we are called to be Your witnesses. May people see and hear from us that You are the Lord.
Our world belongs to God. The common refrain throughout the reading was ‘and they will know that I am the Lord.’ How?
Those who disregard His truth and grace will come to know by His power and justice. God uses nations His purposes to fulfill. But do we have the eyes to see?
God is the Ruler yet and always will be. I need to acknowledge that this day and go forward in that power. Open my eyes Lord that I may see You. Open the eyes of the peoples so that they may see You. May we all do your will today placing You first in all we do and say, May others see that we are living for Jesus wherever You have planted us.
All that I am I owe to Thee,
Thy wisdom, Lord, has fashioned me;
I give my Maker thankful praise,
Whose wondrous works my soul amaze.
Ere into being I was brought,
Thine eye did see, and in Thy thought
My life in all its perfect plan
Was ordered ere my days began.
Thy thoughts, O God, how manifold,
More precious unto me than gold!
I muse on their infinity,
Awaking I am still with Thee.
The wicked Thou shalt surely slay,
From me let sinners turn away;
They speak against the Name divine,
I count God’s enemies as mine.
Search me, O God, my heart discern,
Try me, my inmost thought to learn;
And lead me, if in sin I stray,
To choose the everlasting way.