Many
times over, in these chapters of Ezekiel, the words are repeated,
“They will know that I am the Lord.” We must view the events of history
in relation to God. He is fulfilling His purpose. He is demonstrating
that He is the Lord. The demonstration of His Lordship is seen in both
judgment - “Egypt will become a desolate wasteland. Then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 29:9) - and salvation - “On that day I will make a horn grow for the house of Israel ... Then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 29:21). The judgment need not be final (Ezekiel 29:13-14). The salvation is not without the reminder of past sin (Ezekiel 29:16).
In both God’s judgment and His salvation, we see God’s love and His
holiness. Scripture speaks of both “the grace of God” and the call to
holiness - “without holiness no-one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14-15).
We receive God’s Kingdom with thanksgiving, rejoicing that it “cannot
be shaken.” We receive His Kingdom “with reverence and awe”,
acknowledging that “our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). We rejoice in the Lord - “The Lord has done great things for us.” We pray for renewal - “Restore our fortunes, O Lord” (Psalm 126:3-4).
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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