September 05, 2017: SOAP #2833: Ezekiel 25-28; Revelation 10

Scripture:  Ezekiel (NIV) 25:6 For this is what the Sovereign LORD says [regarding the Ammonites]: Because you have clapped your hands and stamped your feet, rejoicing with all the malice of your heart against the land of Israel, 7 therefore I will stretch out my hand against you and give you as plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the nations and exterminate you from the countries. I will destroy you, and you will know that I am the LORD.’”

Observation:  This chapter and the first part of the next chapter is dedicated to God’s judgment on nations who mistreated Israel.  Israel had been rebellious and turned away from the God Who had delivered them from Egypt.  God had even used some of these nations to bring His judgment on Israel.  But the Israelites were still God’s chosen people and deserved respect.

Application:  I may not agree with everything Israel does today, but I know they are God’s chosen people—they became the avenue of humanity through which Jesus came!  That they are again a nation in the land God promised Abraham shows me that God is still working with Israel.

Not only the nation of Israel, everyone deserves respect, for they carry the image of our Creator!  I may not agree with everything they say or do, but I must acknowledge and respect God’s image.
Prayer:   Heavenly Father, everywhere I look I see your handiwork.  I see what you have done, and what you are doing.  You are amazing!  I respect You and Your work in Israel and in the lives of people around me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!