What began as a simple outing for some ice cream one summer night quickly turned into an unforgettable experience.
We looked up to see an eerie, brown cloud speeding toward us at an alarming rate while twigs and debris whirled above. Within seconds, my friend’s ice cream melted into a puddle, and we all knew: something was definitely wrong. Sprinting to our cars, we started what would be a long drive home, as bursts of wind shook our vehicles, tree limbs crashed around, and street lights went black, one by one by one all along our route. It seemed as if the blackness would engulf us at any moment.
Throughout the night we endured torrential wind and rain, a tree crashing down in our driveway, and another demolishing a car around the corner. Eventually we would learn that this type of severe wind storm is called a derecho, and they can cause incredible damage very quickly. If ever there was a stark reminder of our smallness as human beings, this was it.
No sheer act of will or bravado can face a show of nature and slow down its advance. Such is the reality that the Lord brings in full force against Gog and his assembled army to “display [His] greatness and holiness, and reveal [Himself] in the sight of many nations” (Ezekiel 38:23). In today’s reading, the Lord displays His power in unequivocal ways: “a great earthquake,” “the mountains will be demolished, the cliffs will collapse…,” and He will “pour out torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur on him” (vv.19,20,22). The result: “every human being on the face of the earth will tremble before me” (v.20).
In chapter 39, He continues saying that because of this “they will know that I am the LORD. So I will make my holy name known among my people Israel” (Ezekiel 39:6–7).
His display of utter destruction and power makes the revelation of Israel’s redemption that much sweeter. This time, the unmitigated pouring out is one of mercy rather than judgement. He says, “I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel” (v.29). An act of abundance, His presence with them is no longer concealed: it is freely given. In place of “disgrace” (v.26), there is a reconciliation, and He promises to “leave none of them behind” (v.28).
Leslie, joining you to pray for the Ukrainian lady and other Ukrainian families.
I’m so thankful that God can resurrect and restore any situation, no matter how dark it may seem.
I am praying over this woman, her sister, and you right now. ❤️
I have been redeemed and definitely give thanks to the Lord with every breath ❤️
I wrote a lengthy message and somehow it didn’t post, so know that I’m praying for all of your requests! Peace for you Katie as you wait, joy for you Heidi that your niece had a good week, and rest for you in spite of the 2 year old, happy that Findlay is home! And all others not mentioned.
Please continue to pray for my son as he moves out into his own apartment that he can stay on a path of sobriety. But most of all that he would find God again. Thanks soooo much!
She’s I am in desperate need of prayer for a woman I’ve never met, but cannot get out of my mind.
She is a Ukrainian woman on my husbands team at work. Her family was killed in the bombing of one of the Ukrainian cities (mother, brother, father, and cousins). Her family sent her and her sister to the US 5 years ago, for more opportunity. She left last week to go try and retrieve the bodies of her family to give them a proper burial. Her sister stayed here in the US. Her sister hasn’t heard from her in about 4 days. Please please pray for her safety and pray that maybe she just doesn’t have any way of communication right now. Pray for her and her sister as they have lost so many family members to this senseless violence. Thank you she’s. I am praying for all your requests as well.
She’s I am in desperate need of prayer for a woman I’ve never met, but cannot get out of my mind.
SHANNA MORGAN first thank you for being so vulnerable to admit you are struggling with understanding. I too often struggle to understand while reading scripture. I too have noticed the repeated phrase “the they will know I am the Lord” after pondering the thought that comes to my mind is that when God blesses us…we know He is our Lord and a good provider….this study is helping me to see that when God punishes is justly we can see that as “tough love” that is needed to turn us back to God. If he doesn’t allow us to feel the pain of our sin what will motivate us to turn back to Him? Without Him we will suffer for eternity. We NEED to know he is our Lord for our ultimate survival….He doesn’t NEED us at all but rather he LOVES us so much that he relentlessly pursues us despite our continual sin and shortcomings. Hope this helps ❤️