PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Ezekiel 45-46
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“My princes will no longer oppress my people.” (Ezekiel 45:8)
In his vision of the new temple, Ezekiel receives a message for the princes.
These are new instructions, not original to the Moses Law but additions… WHY?
God is dealing with a flawed people, and is always needing to adapt.
Though a king/prince wasn’t God’s idea, God gives Israel what they want (1 Samuel 8:1-22).
But he also warns them how their ‘prince/king’ will make life harder for them.
“When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.” 1 Samuel 8:18)
God says he will not step in to help when their prince oppresses them.
Yet now through Ezekiel he is setting up boundaries and protections.
God in grace meets us in our weakness, and even works with us in it.
He allows us to choose less than ideal paths, and to learn the hard way.
For a time he lets us have our way, but in time he steps in to help us by grace.
God is the father waiting for the prodigal son to come to his senses (Luke 15:11-32)
Jesus is God stepping in to meet sinners in their mess, to help them get out.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for we do not know what we are doing. Thank you for allowing us the freedom to learn the hard way, but also for the forgiveness and help when we come to our senses. Thank you for your patient grace!
Details – specifications! Following the commands and instructions of the Lord is crucial – Worshipping a Holy God was not meant to be simple casual thing – but it had a definite prescribed order. The detail is very specific – it amounted to perfection – even in the sacrifices – no blemished animal was to be offered – it would be an affront to God. I’m grateful that my worship of God is no longer dependent on precisely following specific rules and procedures – but at the same time, my worship must not become casual – as King David said – not cost me anything when Abimelech offered him his threshing floor for free. God is looking for my heart, soul, mind and strength. Yet the perfect sacrifice of Jesus was offered so that by believing in Jesus – I too can have my blemishes of sin erased!! Hallelujah what a Saviour!
Do this and live.
Live and so this.
Follow my Word.
I am also reminded once again that as the leader goes, so go the people. Here the princes are also told how to live and how to treat the people and how to worship the Lord. The prince is to be among the people following the commands of the Lord. Lead by example and worship the true King of kings. Once again the Lord comes to His own and tells them how to live for Jesus.
Open my ears Lord that I truly hear and do.
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God