This week we continue our study in Ezekiel 14. Last week we learned about the hidden idols of the hearts of the leaders of Israel and how those cherished idols were continually causing them to sin.
As the chapter continues we find a statement made by God in verse 13, that "when a land sins against Me by persistent unfaithfulness, I will stretch out My hand against it; I will cut off its supply of bread, send famine on it, and cut off man and beast from it." God is going to send, "four severe judgments on Jerusalem---the sword, and famine and wild beasts and pestilence," verse 21.
What's really interesting in the latter part of this chapter is that God very clearly wants us to understand that when His judgments are poured out nobody is going to be saved by somebody else's faith. Three times (verses 14, 18, and 20) God mentions that even if Noah, Daniel, and Job are in the land they will only deliver themselves, nobody else. The same is true in the final judgments that are soon to come upon our world. Only your faith in Christ will save you. Not your parents, your spouse, your spiritual mentor, your pastor, or even some great world-renowned evangelist, only your faith.
Do you have an experiential faith in Christ? Do I?
Thankfully, the chapter doesn't end there. It ends on a good note, on a wonderful promise. In verses 22 and 23 we're told that there will be a remnant "who will come out", and that Ezekiel will see by "their ways and doings" that God did nothing in vain. His judgments would bring about great results by refining His remnant people. May we all allow the trials and challenges God allows in our lives to bring about the beautiful fruits of righteousness in our characters that God's intends them to. May we, by God's grace, have others look at us and say, praise the Lord when they see our ways and doings.
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