August 30, 2016: SOAP #2462:  Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4

Scripture:  Ezekiel (NIV) 9:3 Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the LORD called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side 4 and said to him, “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.”

Observation:   Ezekiel was in captivity with the Jews who had been removed from Jerusalem, yet God still spoke to him about his home country and the temple in Jerusalem.   He spoke to Ezekiel about the judgment coming.  He spoke to Ezekiel about those he wanted to hold back from judgment.  He was not looking for happy people who would fill His presence with their praise.  He was not looking for talented musicians who would worship Him with trained and beautiful voices.  He was not looking for great warriors who were mighty in battle.  He was looking for those “who grieve and lament” over sin and wickedness.  He was looking for people who looked at sin the way He looks at sin.

Application:   I am sure I do not fully understand the terribleness of sin.  I do not fully appreciate the great cost the Father paid in sending His Son to be the payment for my sin.

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, help me to look at sin the way my Heavenly Father looks at sin.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!