Day 229

Ezekiel 5-9.  “That’s Not a Threat, It’s a Promise”

         “For I am the LORD!  What I threaten always happens.” – Ezekiel 12:25
         Ezekiel paints a very bleak picture for the fate of God’s people.  But for those who have been reading the Scriptures closely, it should come as no surprise, because Moses informed Israel as to what would happen if they refused to listen to the Lord (Deuteronomy 28:15-68).  Even though God is pouring out His judgment on Israel, there is hope in knowing that He is fulfilling His promises by doing so.  This is because there is more to God’s promises in Deuteronomy than just words of destruction.  Two chapters later in Deuteronomy 30:1-10, Moses prophesies concerning God’s promise of restoration when those who remain repent and return to the Lord.
         While many of us make idle threats, the Lord doesn’t.  His promises are real and trustworthy.  Reading about God fulfilling His promise of judgment reinforces our hope of salvation and the promises that we have in Christ.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?