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God has a twofold purpose for people, a bottom line of sorts.
These two principles are mentioned in 1 Kings 20 and Ezekiel 6: that you may know that He is God, and that they may know that He is God. These two phrases put life into a simple, yet challenging, perspective — that you may know Him and that they may know Him.
A while back, as I taught through the book of Ezekiel, I noticed these two phrases. Repeatedly, they captured my attention. The occasion, or context, was different in each situation, but the purpose phrase was the same.
God’s desire for everyone is “that you shall know I am the Lord.” (1 Kings 20:13, 28, NASB)
God uses everything to showcase Himself, as no worthwhile thing comes apart from Him.
The prophet Ezekiel and his people were in captivity, away from their homeland, when God specifically spoke these messages for the people. God instructed Ezekiel, wanting him to share it, whether the people listened or not.
God gave Ezekiel words of encouragement, especially when He spoke about a new covenant in Ezekiel 11:14-25, including reassurance of a good future. The people were exiles in a foreign land, and God spoke to them right where they were, amid their current circumstance.
He longs to encourage us today as well, right where we are. His main message was to repent. Return to God’s ways.
God’s messages through Ezekiel also included warnings of judgment. Sadly, the people were rebellious. They were obstinate and failed to listen.
An interesting comment is found in Ezekiel 12:25: “For I, the Lord, shall speak, and whatever word I speak will be performed.” This book was prophetic then and remains appropriate for us today.
False prophets are prevalent today, and we need godly wisdom and discernment to recognize half-truths or faulty theology.
Friends, be very careful, for we live in strange times.
In Ezekiel 13:9, God warns us about such things. While God revealed the truth of their culture, He also offered hope to His people.
God’s merciful declaration is found in Ezekiel 20:44: “Then [see verses 39-43] you will know that I am the Lord when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your evil ways or according to your corrupt deeds.”
Until next week,
Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
