S) "19 They will fling their silver into the streets and their gold will become an abhorrent thing; their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord. They cannot satisfy their appetite nor can they fill their stomachs, for their iniquity has become an occasion of stumbling."
Ezekiel 7:19 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Ezekiel 7
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Ezekiel 7
O) This word was spoken about the inhabitants of the land of Israel, because the LORD was going to execute judgment against His people for their rebellion against Him. God specified that it was for the abominations that were in there midst, but as we read on, it was their idols which had been fashioned with silver and gold. But, in the day of His wrath, when His sovereignty, righteousness, and power are undeniable and against them, the people would realize just how wicked these things had become to them. It is not that the silver and gold are, in themselves evil. When we read the very next verse, it confirms that God had actually blessed His people. However, they turned that blessing into an opportunity for idolatry.
A) One aspect of sin, is that it seems to perpetually be rooted in something that God intended for good. The beauty of sex becomes the vileness of pornography or human trafficking. The provision of money becomes the obsession with greed. The advantage of intellect becomes a the ruthlessness of arrogance. On and on it goes. It is no different in my own life. There is a temptation to take what God has intended to be a blessing to me, and for me to get it twisted and it becomes something sinful. It is at that moment, when I realize that I have profaned what He meant to be holy, that the thing then seems abhorrent to me. But, I thank God all the more for my redemption in Christ Jesus. Not only can He wash me clean, but I am being sanctified through the work of the Holy Spirit. God can restore what I have defiled. When I realize that my iniquities have created occasions for stumbling, I don't have to face the wrath of the LORD. When I repent, God will restore. It isn't always what I expect, or how I want it, but it is always for my good and His glory.
P) Father, You are holy and Your gifts are good. Still, I confess that I have a terrible habit of taking good things and defiling them. But, I don't want my reaction to be so extreme as to fling Your blessings into the streets. Please forgive me for my sins. Please restore the blessings to the way You intended them, for my good, but more for Your glory. I acknowledge that every judgment, every discipline, every execution of Your will is good. You are good beyond compare or criticism. You have been abundantly kind to Your servant. You redeemed me through the work on the cross. When I jeopardize the blessings You have given me, please redeem what You will from the things I have endangered or muddied or broken. In You is the fullness of my hope and peace, prosperity and joy, love and contentment. To You belongs all glory and honor. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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