Friday, June 1, 2018

Ezekiel 25  All the enemies of Israel.. are enemies of God and will be judged for their actions against His people.  The emphasis is this;  " .. Thus you will know that I am the Lord." 

Ammon, Moab, Edom, and  Philistia.. each of these nations were enemies of Israel.  They inhabited the land to the east and west of Israel.  There was constant war between them.. a power struggle for the land and the power.  They laughed and rejoiced when Israel was taken by Babylon.  The Lord judged them for that and they were conquered also.. some by Babylon and some by the "sons of the east" - nomadic tribes that overcame them.

What were the actions that God judged?
Ammon rejoiced at Israel's desolation.
Moab said Israel was "like all the nations".. not respecting that they were God's people.
Edom took "vengeance" against Israel.
Philistia "acted in revenge and have taken vengeance with scorn of soul to destroy with everlasting enmity."

Today we see Israel.. surrounded by nations that still scorn her, disrespect her, take vengeance on her at every opportunity, and want her demise.  Once again the time is ripe for judgement against the enemies of Israel.  But, perhaps the one thing that prevents that is the fact that once again, Israel is not walking in righteousness and obedience to her God.
" And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  II Chronicles 7:14  There are actions needed from God's people - repentance, a turning back to the Lord, seeking Him, and leaving the sin and wickedness behind them.

Psalm 123 - which we recently studied in Prayer meeting, speaks directly to this:  " To Thee I lift up my eyes, O Thou who art enthroned in the heavens... So our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He shall be gracious to us.  Be gracious to us, O Lord, be gracious to us. For we are filled with contempt." (ridicule, disrespect, being despised and scorned)

If God judged Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia , will He not judge those who hate Israel now?
May Israel turn their faces to the Lord their God once again. And may the enemies of Israel know that the God of Israel is the Lord of all!

Father in heaven, we hallow Your Name and respect the nation that You call Your own.  May they know that You are the Lord and humble themselves before You.  May they pray and seek You. May they turn from sin and unbelief.  May they find forgiveness and healing in You.   May we, as a nation, continue to seek peace for and with Israel.. for Your Name's sake.  Be gracious to us, O Lord, be gracious to us and to our nation also. May we turn to You once again.   In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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