God's Certain Judgment
Ezekiel 5:11-12, "Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity. A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them."
God makes an oath that is tied to His eternality concerning the certainty of judgment to be experienced by His disobedient people. Notice the words; "As I live" and "Surely". The time for God to extend mercy had expired. God promises "...therefore will I diminish thee, neither shall mine eye spare neither will I have any pity." Gill writes: "...as they lessened His glory by their abominable actions, so He threatens that He would lessen their privileges and blessings; as they took away from Him the worship and honor that were due to Him, so He would take away from them; His sanctuary, sanctuary, word, and ordinances, and deprive them of everything that was valuable and excellent.
It is sad for any people to arrive at the place where God states "...His eye will not spare, neither will I have any pity." We are so dependent upon God's forgiveness and mercy, yet sometimes He must deprive us of His mercy to teach us love, devotion, and obedience.
We should pray for our nation, for our churches, and ourselves. Pray that we will turn back to the Lord so we will continue to know His mercy and forgiveness.
God will keep His Word concerning that which He promises!
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. The words in Ezekiel 5:11-12 are very determined about judgment. Is there anything about God’s judgment that frightens you?
2. Is it possible to know when we have crossed the line and God is certain to judge us?
3. What must we do in order to avoid God’s judgment as individuals and as a nation?