Ezekiel 24-27: Weep for the Broken

I found out today that a godly couple I know had divorced.  My reaction was at first shock, then while trying to wrap my head around this information, I began to weep.  I had been close to the wife, but didn't know the husband well.  This couple had chosen to  follow the Lord and lead their children to do the same.  I did not understand.

As I type this post, I feel emotion stirring in me.  The enemy seeks to destroy and devour to tear apart and to separate.  He won a battle with my friends.  I began to think what hope do we have to live in a way that is pleasing to Abba?  Holy Spirit immediately began to minister to me revealing our only hope, Jesus. 

Form and tradition do not empower one to turn from sin.

The holy things we do cannot save us.

Power, position, and title do not make us immune from temptation. 

Our only hope is receiving the revelation that we cannot keep ourselves pure and holy, without spot or wrinkle, and concluding that the grace that Abba gives comes only be clinging to Jesus in humility.

Judah and Israel couldn't keep their hearts from evil.  And holy Father was disciplining them because of it.  As the surrounding countries watched God's anger poured out toward the sin that entangled His people, their pride rose up and their mouths began to ridicule those who were broken. 

Tyre cried no tears for a people who were called chosen by God, and because of their prideful, hardened hearts, they also received discipline.



Ezekiel 26:2-6
Amplified Bible

2 Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, Aha! She is broken that has been the gate of the people; she is open to me [Tyre]; I shall become full now that she is desolate and a wasteland,

3 Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you as the sea mounts up by its waves.

4 And they shall destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers; I will also scrape her dust from her and make her bare like the top of a rock.

5 Her island in the midst of the sea shall become a place for the spreading of nets, for I have spoken it, says the Lord God; and she shall become a prey and a spoil to the nations.

6 And Tyre’s daughters [her towns and villages on the mainland] in the level place shall be slain by the sword, and they shall know (understand and realize) that I am the Lord [the Sovereign Ruler, Who calls forth loyalty and obedient service].


Let's be mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions in regards to the broken.  Any of us at any time could find ourselves in the midst of a temptation, a fall, and brokenness.  Let's encourage each other, and not throw stones with our words.  In the great and awesome name of Jesus, AMEN!

Ezekiel 22-23: I Sought a Man to Stand in the Gap

Ezekiel 22:30
Amplified Bible (AMP)

And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.

 

It's apparent when the wall, the protective barrier between the city and the enemy, has been breached.  Gaps in this structure allow for free access of the evil one to attack and torment at will.  Israel and Judah's wall had gaps because of her idolatry. 

 

The surrounding cultures infected God's people by teaching them to worship false gods.  This choice punched a gap through the wall of peace and protection of God.  The enemy harassed, oppressed, and conquered those in whom God delighted.  God was not happy with His people.  He likened their idolatry to a harlot, using sex for personal pleasure or gain.  Sounds to me like God takes our love for Him very seriously!

 

Each of us have a personal "wall" of protection against the enemy of our souls.  I believe one symbolic meaning for this wall is soul peace.  Each choice we make can either strengthen this wall of peace or damage it, allowing for the formation of gaps.  The enemy takes pleasure in entering in through any gap in our wall, oppressing and harassing us.  Subduing our passion.  Stirring our mind with worry.  Tightening our chest with anxiety.  Whatever he may do to steal God's gift of peace. 

This I know from personal experience. 

God seeks for someone to stand in the gap and build up the broken walls, not only in our own personal lives, but in the lives of all those we contact.

Even though God has not found a man to stand in the wall's gap, there is a Perfect Man Who closes the breech...Jesus!  Jesus then empowers us to stand for others.  It's a beautiful picture revealed!

Thank You, Jesus for accomplishing what man cannot.  Stand in any gap in our wall.  Reveal it, close it and pour out Your grace to cause us to turn away from anything which causes a breach!  In Your name, Jesus, AMEN!