Few things inflame my momma bear instincts faster than someone making fun of my child. You are free to call me any name in the book. Chances are, that water will roll right on off my back. But direct your sneers at one of my four boys and you’re sure to see my scrappy side.
I see the Father’s heart on full display in the middle of Ezekiel. The pagan nations that surrounded Judah watched God’s judgment unfold on His people—and they laughed, like children cheering during a playground fight.
The people of Ammon celebrated when God’s sanctuary was desecrated (Ezekiel 25:3). They clapped and stomped and sang when God’s judgment fell hard on the shoulders of His children (v.6). They whooped and hollered when the people of Judah were carted away as slaves. The people of Moab and Seir took God’s judgment as a sign that there was nothing really special about God’s chosen people (v.8). Edom took advantage (v.12). Philistia looked on with a you-got-what-you-deserved glare (v.15). Judah’s enemies clearly thought God, and His judgment, was a joke (v.3). Because God was angry at His people’s sin, we might expect Him to tolerate such shenanigans. That’s not what happened. Like a momma bear defending her cubs, God responded to these taunts in a way that let Judah’s mockers know that His love for His children was unshaken.
For Judah, God’s judgment was a mercy, a chance to turn their hearts back fully to Him. For the others, it was a reckoning, a harsh reality check that the God of Israel is the only one on the throne and that He will always defend His children.
Beyond the fall of nations, a greater gospel reality is illustrated in these passages. For those who call upon the name of the Lord, judgment doesn’t last forever. Because He is a devoted Father, sin doesn’t make us any less His. But for those who refused to worship God, in Ezekiel’s day and in ours, His judgment is total and final.
“I will destroy you” (v.7).
“They will know my vengeance” (v.14).
“You will never be rebuilt” (Ezekiel 26:14).
“I will bring you down to be with those who descend to the Pit” (v.20).
Ezekiel’s book is a profound declaration that for God’s children, His judgment and mercy are always intermingled. Though He temporarily allowed the people of Judah to experience the consequences of their sin, His judgment is never a sign that He has stopped loving us.
This Lenten season, take heart, child of God! Even as He disciplines us, He defends us. Even when He places us under the heavy hand of His rebuke, He holds us tight.
“Ezekiel’s book is a profound declaration that for God’s children, His judgment and mercy are always intermingled. Though He temporarily allowed the people of Judah to experience the consequences of their sin, His judgment is never a sign that He has stopped loving us.”
This spoke to me. That is something I’ve had to learn as I walk closer with the Lord, day by day. Often, the enemy has tried to convince me that judgement or consequence means God’s love has departed. Which obv, is not biblical (Romans 8:38-39, Hebrews 12:6, Psalm 139:7-8) yet still, this past year God is making head knowledge into heart experience. I pray I continue to see grace in judgement. God loved Judah so deeply, even in their sin, He defended them. So beautiful. Even in our sin, He defends us– He intercedes for us.
M-Kat, your comment yesterday spoke to me. I needed to hear grace in that passage. Thank you for sharing what God put on your heart. Your words help, please keep sharing! <3 God bless your journey with Grace Himself.
I don’t post often, but today’s comments have prompted this prayer…
“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”
“…both faith and fear demand you to believe in something that you cannot see, so you might as well choose faith” (Lisa Meta Griff)
LEAH MOORE- your comments hit the nail directly on the head… I definitely feel heard and understood completely about this, thank you so much for your comment.
I have been practicing all morning at defining that thing that is causing the biggest fear at the thought of it being threatened. I’m grateful to have it identified so that I can be praying through it and, as hard as it is, practicing my “what if“ statements about if God were to actually decide to relocate that thing that I want up on that pedestal. It’s a hard question to ask “what if…” but it can reveal SO much in us…
I’m so thankful for Jesus. I deserve all the punishments of Tyre, but God provided his son as the perfect payment for my sin. I am redeemed! Praise God!
Heidi, I relate to you so much. I have struggled with fear and anxiety all my life. It is hard when you are in the midst of it, it feels so strong and oppressive.
That is the enemy of your soul attacking you. It is not okay.
The beautiful thing that I am really starting to grasp is that because we have a living savior residing in us the enemy, has to flee . Because we are His, we are able to command the devil to go and he has to do it. What helps me, is litterally commanding Satan to go.
Send Satan packing. Remind him who you are, and that he has no right tormenting you with fear, anxiety, any of it. You are a child of the most high God and satan has to flee. Praying peace for you Heidi.
has strengthened my walk more then ever before. So I see that as the ultimate win! These anxious thoughts feel so threatening because they relate to what we value most. If we can see the thoughts more as harmless ideas and not definite threats of what is to come, we give ourselves the option of choosing to believe it or not. Praying peace over you and that you can rest in the Lord’s presence moment by moment today.
Heidi, I so empathize and relate here! Isn’t it frustrating that the enemy has insight into what we value most in life? I’ve battled generalized anxiety for quite some time and similarly have gotten to a point where the enemy knew one approach wasn’t working, so he seemed to switch tactics. Ultimately his tactics have made me go deeper with the Lord and
Even though I’ve messed up too many times to count, God still loves me.