The
contrast between a life of sin and shame and a life of faith and
blessing is highlighted in the comparison between the passages in
Ezekiel and Hebrews. The contrast is between living for the things we
see - “She saw men ... As soon as she saw them she lusted after them” (Ezekiel 23:14-16) - and living and “longing for a better country - a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16). Proverbs 27:20
says, “Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the
eyes of man.” The glory of the Christian hope is that Death and
Destruction will not have the last word. God has prepared a city for His
people (Hebrews 11:16). Our eyes will look upon Him, and we will rejoice in Him who satisfies completely - our Creator, our Redeemer: God.
There is to be prayer from “every one who lives in the land” (Joel 1:14). It is to be personal prayer - “O Lord, I cry to You for help!” (Joel 1:19). These two belong together - prayer for the nation and personal prayer. This is expressed so well in the words: “O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee. Send a revival. Start the work in me.” We hear the words, “Return to the Lord, your God” (Joel 2:13). They are followed by some wonderful words about the character of God - “He is merciful and compassionate, patient and always ready to forgive and to change His plans about disaster” (Joel 2:13). How do we know that God is like this? We look at what He has done for us - “Be glad and rejoice. The Lord has done great things!” (Joel 2:21). Looking at all that the Lord has done for us, we trust His promise: “Whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). This salvation is more than forgiveness for past sins. It’s more than the future glory of being in God’s ev...
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