QT 8/1/2023 Ezek 23:22-27, How do we trust God?

Ezekiel 23:22–27 (ESV) —

22 Therefore, O Oholibah, thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will stir up against you your lovers from whom you turned in disgust, and I will bring them against you from every side: 23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod and Shoa and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them, desirable young men, governors and commanders all of them, officers and men of renown, all of them riding on horses. 24 And they shall come against you from the north with chariots and wagons and a host of peoples. They shall set themselves against you on every side with buckler, shield, and helmet; and I will commit the judgment to them, and they shall judge you according to their judgments. 25 And I will direct my jealousy against you, that they may deal with you in fury. They shall cut off your nose and your ears, and your survivors shall fall by the sword. They shall seize your sons and your daughters, and your survivors shall be devoured by fire. 26 They shall also strip you of your clothes and take away your beautiful jewels. 27 Thus I will put an end to your lewdness and your whoring begun in the land of Egypt, so that you shall not lift up your eyes to them or remember Egypt anymore.

 

NOTE: The very graphic description of sexual perversion is a vivid picture of Israel developing political attachments to other nations in order to be able to protect their nation and their lifestyle. Instead of trusting in God for their protection, Israel put their trust in other nations. Israel worshipped their gods and their lifestyle, forgoing their own relationship with God. How does this apply to us individually?

 

I think like Job, it is easy to put your trust in money (riches) or your abilities (intellect for example). But God wants us to put our trust in him. How does a rich person do that? I think prayer has to be part of the equation. A regular and consistent prayer life both reinforces thankfulness and need. I think in all matters, God must be first. The disciplines (QT, reading, prayer) and service must be above fleshy desires or financial gain.

 

PONDER:

1. How am I doing in the spiritual disciplines?
2. As I plan out projects, how am I fitting service opportunities?

 

PRAYER: Father, I enjoy my times with you. But there are things that I let slip, such as extended prayer and service opportunities. Help me to do a better job planning those things. As I work on my planning notebook, I need to add those items in for the year.