THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 19-21
“We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world.” (Ezekiel 20:32)
As Jesus followers, we always face the temptation to be like the world.
When we see others enjoying themselves, we are drawn by illusion of happiness.
The problem is, the life of self only offers brief pleasure, but does not endure.
Along with the thrills, the life of self also slowly but surely kills.
Jesus reminds us that we are in the world, but not of the world (John 17:16).
Yet the pull of the world is strong, and many Jesus followers falter.
Paul laments, “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me.” (2 Timothy 4:10)
Israel got sucked into cruel, immoral idol worship, and was ruined for it.
They danced with the devil – as the saying goes – and the devil changed them.
Where am I compromising my identify, character and calling?
How is love of pleasure, wealth, power, things or comfort weakening me?
Everyday the enemy looks for ways to water down my devotion.
And like Israel, or Demas, love for the world entices me away from Jesus.
If I DON’T think this is happening to me, then I am most vulnerable of all!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I am not tempted to leave You, but I am often distracted from You. Help me to see that falling away consists of many small and seemingly insignificant steps and compromises.
What do I see?
I see what my eyes focus on.
The Israelites focused on what the people had around them and lost the way of the Lord and did not follow His decrees. They and I need to obey His laws.
I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and see the world through His eyes.
I am here to serve Him and live for Jesus.
All for Jesus.
Separate from the world. In His world doing His will. Being Spirit directed. Listening to the Voice saying this is the Way. Walk in it.
As the Word of the Lord came to His people to guide them so too the Word of the Lord also comes to me.
Choose.
But as for me and my household, we will serve the living God.
1
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
2
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu’rors we are!
3
His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!