22:15 - The Diaspora (the scattering of the Jews) was, in part, about cleansing the land of the evil that had been carried out in it.
22:26 - ... they do not distinguish between the holy and the common. - Do we?
22:30 - I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. - I think it is really interesting that Ezekiel and Jeremiah and the other prophets were not considered the men to stand in the gap. It seems like God was looking for someone among the people to stand up. I wonder if in Pueblo West God is saying that the preachers are not going to be the ones to fill the gap and save the city, but the people. Individuals who are willing to stand up and fill the gap to win this community to Christ.
23:24 - ... I will turn you over to them for punishment, and they will punish you according to their standards.
23:35 - ... Since you have forgotten me and thrust me behind your back,... - Simple question - Where are you thrusting God behind your back and why?
23:29 - The Israelites would sacrifice their kids in the fire as an act of pagan worship and idolatry and then trot off to the temple to "worship" God. How sick. Ever go to church and then watch something that dishonors God that same evening? Ever go to Bible study and then go home to get on the net to look at pics? Ever go on a retreat and then rush home to get drunk? Ever read the Word for the day and then hurry back to your anger, pride, lust or arrogance? We can learn a lot from the Israelites and what happens when your faith doesn't sink in and affect how you spend the rest of your day.
The irony was that she used the gifts which God had bestowed upon her to advance the cause of idolatry.
(James Smith, The Major Prophets, pg 441)
The Israelites were using the things God has blessed them with as part of their idolatry. I wonder how we do this today. Do we use the financial blessing of God to buy things that soil our souls? Do we use the blessings of freedom God has bestowed on us to take care of our own needs instead of looking to take care of the needs of others? Do we take simple things like the gift of travel and use it to worship the God of adventure or recreation instead of honoring God by using it to take the Gospel places? The things that God has blessed us with should be used for His purposes. Find where you are currently blessed and you have found part of your purpose.
Love, Michael
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