Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

1 September 2024

Reading From Ezekiel 20-21

“As I live, declares the Lord God, surely with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out I will be king over you. I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out.”

–Ezekiel 20:33-34

     During the time of the judges, Yahweh was King over Israel.  He had delivered the Law through Moses and the judges decided cases and made decisions based upon the God-given Law.  But the nation of Israel saw the fertile and materially prosperous lands of the Canaanites and surrounding nations and coveted what they had.  When they saw the those peoples had kings and other gods and goddesses, Israel thought they should have kings too and that pagan religion could be honored alongside the worship of Yahweh.  They were intoxicated by the lifestyles of people whose choices led to destruction.

“God, it is so easy to look around ourselves and see the wicked prosper and envy them.  What we do not see is the inner turmoil and torment of those who do not know Your light and love.  Bring proper perspective back to our hearts.  Show us what is truly important; more accurately, Who is important.  That is You, Lord.  Order our priorities for us.  Put our lives into order that honors You first.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.”

For the Lord is our judge,
    the Lord is our lawgiver,
the Lord is our king;
    it is he who will save us.

–Isaiah 33:22