S) "18 'Now he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, and behold, he pledged his allegiance, yet did all these things; he shall not escape.' 19 Therefore, thus says the Lord God, 'As I live, surely My oath which he despised and My covenant which he broke, I will inflict on his head.'"
Ezekiel 17:18-19 (NASB)
O) There was a two-fold problem at work during this second exile. Zedekiah, king of Judah, was set on the throne in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. In that ascension, he pledged allegiance to Babylon. Then he rebelled, seeking aid from Egypt. The first problem, is that Zedekiah refused to accept that the oppression by Babylon was the judgment from the LORD. The second problem, which stems directly from that, is that he sought aid from another kingdom instead of help from the LORD. Zedekiah didn't recognize the Lord GOD from either side, that the sword and the refuge both belong to Him. So, v.18 shows that Zedekiah wouldn't acknowledge the LORD was behind the conquest. Then, v.19 shows that Zedekiah wouldn't acknowledge the LORD was his salvation.
A) While we are not destined for wrath, as believers (see 1 Thessalonians 5:9), passages like this are still incredibly helpful to see who God is. And, make no mistake, this is still who God is, because the LORD does not change. So, I am thankful that I have received mercy through grace by the blood of Jesus Christ. I remember that hardship is still sometimes discipline from my Father God. Last, during hardships, I look to my Lord GOD for help.
P) Father, Your plans are great, and Your sovereignty is irresistible. Open my eyes to see Your plan. Help me recognize when hardship is discipline, and correct my wrong behavior and heart. Open my ears to hear Your voice, to know Your call, especially to recognize when I have sinned and need to repent. Thank You for the mercies You have shown me, and continue to show me. Let Your will be done. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
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