August 29, 2019: SOAP #3556:  Ezekiel 4-7; Revelation

Scripture:  Ezekiel (NIV) 7:9 I will not look on you with pity or spare you; I will repay you in accordance with your conduct and the detestable practices among you. Then you will know that it is I the LORD who strikes the blow.

Observation:   A main part of God’s plan for Israel was to be a public example of how God would bless people committed Him.  But, sadly, they became a public example of how God judges sin.

Application:    God’s purpose for Israel is unique.  God has and will hold them accountable according to His plan.  The USA is not Israel!  We cannot claim all the promises God made to Israel as belonging to the USA.  But we do serve the same God!  He created Israel and His hand can be clearly seen in the establishment of the USA.  God has not changed.  His character is eternal.  Note the following:
–Israel had set up detestable idols in God’s temple.  The USA has destroyed millions living beings made in God’s image.
–Israel ignored God’s Word recorded on scrolls in the temple.  The USA has ignored God’s Word, Bibles in almost every home in our nation.
–Israel had some godly priests and a few godly Kings to guide them. Today we have the indwelling Holy Spirit working in our hearts and minds.
–God judged Israel for their sins.  God judged the USA for the sin of slavery. God will judge the USA for the sin of abortion.
–In the time of judgment, Israel repented and experienced revival.  The coming move of God in the USA is being/will be preceded by a time of judgment.  Like in Josiah’s day, repentance may postpone but not cancel judgment.
–If God had good reason to judge Israel, how much more does He have reason to judge the USA!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, the extent of our sins is shameful.  We should not dishonor you by thinking that the Righteous Judge does not see and is not concerned.  Forgive me for thinking that my sins do not bother you. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!