This week has been a test in No Fear in Life or Death.  First, I battled an upper respiratory cold.  In the day of Covid Hysteria that could have been daunting.  How do I trust God to keep me and my patients safe in such a time as this?  If truly I believe God Wins, regardless of all that happens around me; then I must trust Him both in life and death because He is on His throne.  No one lives or dies; but that He has decreed it.  He “works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11 ESV). All things! 

        That brings me to when I walked out of work late on Thursday evening into a very dark parking lot.  As the door closed behind me with no way to go back in, I stepped out to the opening where I saw a man standing by my car.  Another car parked next to mine, had the passenger door open.  I whispered a prayer, yet I felt no fear as I began to the walk over to my car.  Trusting the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit who bid me on, I had no fear.

The man, somewhat scruffy in appearance, smoking a cigarette with arms covered in tattoos, sat down in the passenger set of the other car with the window down.  He said, “Sorry, we are just sitting here talking” as I neared.  I got into my car and left. (God must have whispered in his ear, “not worth it-sit down.” Even sinners hear His commanding voice. )

A thought

        It reminded of the burdened heart I had carried earlier in the week, feeling as though a failure in life.  When I had wondered how it was God chose me.  Yet, He did.  He reminded me that He had covered all my sins; therefore, I have no fear in life or death.

In Life or Death, No Fear

        Recently I have become more engrossed in the study of the Holy Spirit, seeking Him.  Oh, perhaps that is where I get it wrong. How do I seek for that which I already have indwelling within me? Rather, I am learning to trust Him as I turn over all control to Him, each morning and then throughout the day as necessary. For He is “Christ in you, the hope of Glory” Colossians 1:27.  The Holy Spirit guides us along this journey. Therefore, we grow ever more like Jesus. Thereby, as we face trials, we learn to have no fear in life or death, as we lean in and trust the Omnipotent, Omniscient God who has demonstrated throughout history to be trustworthy. 

        Every word of the Holy Bible He left us IS proof of His trustworthiness and His Power.  There we come to know all His attributes and the depth of His enduring love for us.  He spared no opportunity to demonstrate to us that He is omnipotent.  Each action of the Old Testament presents another proof. 

        So, all this to bring us to the story of the city of Tyre, her Prince, and her King.  As we look at this note how it is that we can fully trust that God wins.  Therefore, we have no fear in life or death. 

The City of Tyre

        Tyre was the city of all cities in its day.  Everyone looked to it for its beauty, its wealth, and its accessibility.  An envy of all who surrounded it. Initially, they enjoyed great trade relations with Judah and Israel.  Particularly known for the cedars of Lebanon and their purple dye, their wealth and renown grew. 

        It was so beautifully laid out with a main city and a separate island, presenting the perfect area for trade.  Yet, they became proud of their wealth, beauty and overly confident of their natural island defenses.  They, though formerly trade partners with Solomon, developed jealousy and rivalry toward Jerusalem.  Hence, they were gleeful when Israel, then Judah fell, believing they were superior.  Never did they realize their fortune had been God’s gift to them.  Instead, they worshiped Baal.  Then, Ezekiel prophesied.

“Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gateway of the peoples has been broken! Everything will come my way, and I will become rich now that she is devastated’; therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Here I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, just as the sea brings up its waves. They will destroy the walls of Tyre and tear down her towers, and I will scrape away soil and make her a shining, bare rock. She will become a drying yard for dragnets in the midst of the sea.’ (Ezekiel 26: 2-5)

God Wins

        Within years of this prediction, Nebuchadnezzar sent his army to destroy Tyre, the city.  There was as predicted a very long battle according to historians lasting 13 years.  Then some might say, because the island city still stood at that time—ah God’s prediction failed.  But not so, in 332 BC when Alexander the Great overtook Tyre and as promised the walls and towers were used to create land between the island city and the former city.  All was destroyed. 

Today there are some of the remaining structures from the later Roman empire; however, none of the original Phoenician towers survived.  They were used to be the landfill between the island and the land.

They will destroy the walls of Tyre and tear down her towers, and I will scrape away soil and make her a shining, bare rock.  Ezekiel 26:5 had come to pass, just as God had said.

        Then as we read of God’s edict in Ezekiel 28, He predicts all that will happen to the Prince of Tyre.  This already came true.  But look at the switch over from the Prince of Tyre to the King of Tyre halfway through the chapter.  The Prince of Tyre had declared himself a god but was merely a man.  Yet, the King of Tyre was Satan, Himself and His defeat is as certain as was that of the Prince of Tyre.   

The Proud Should Fear in Life and Death, Because God Wins

Thus says the Lord God:

“Because your heart is proud,
    and you have said, ‘I am a god,
I sit in the seat of the gods,
    in the heart of the seas,’
yet you are but a man, and no god,
    though you make your heart like the heart of a god—
³ you are indeed wiser than Daniel;
    no secret is hidden from you;
⁴ by your wisdom and your understanding
    you have made wealth for yourself,
and have gathered gold and silver
    into your treasuries;
⁵ by your great wisdom in your trade
    you have increased your wealth,
    and your heart has become proud in your wealth—

⁶ therefore thus says the Lord God:
Because you make your heart
    like the heart of a god,
⁷ therefore, behold, I will bring foreigners upon you,
    the most ruthless of the nations;
and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom
    and defile your splendor.

⁸ They shall thrust you down into the pit,
    and you shall die the death of the slain
    in the heart of the seas.
⁹ Will you still say, ‘I am a god,’
    in the presence of those who kill you,
though you are but a man, and no god,
    in the hands of those who slay you?
¹⁰ You shall die the death of the uncircumcised
    by the hand of foreigners;
    for I have spoken, declares the Lord God.”

    Ezekiel 28: 1-10

Therefore, those who do not know Jesus as Savior, you should be afraid.  For there is no hope for those who believe themselves to be the god of their own destiny. 

God Wins Against Satan

Thus says the Lord God:

“You were the signet of perfection,^[a]
    full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
¹³ You were in Eden, the garden of God;
    every precious stone was your covering,
sardius, topaz, and diamond,
    beryl, onyx, and jasper,
sapphire,^[b] emerald, and carbuncle;
    and crafted in gold were your settings
    and your engravings.^[c]
On the day that you were created
    they were prepared.
¹⁴ You were an anointed guardian cherub.
    I placed you;^[d] you were on the holy mountain of God;
    in the midst of the stones of fire you walked.
¹⁵ You were blameless in your ways
    from the day you were created,
    till unrighteousness was found in you.

¹⁶ In the abundance of your trade
    you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned;
so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God,
    and I destroyed you,^[e] O guardian cherub,
    from the midst of the stones of fire.
¹⁷ Your heart was proud because of your beauty;
    you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.
I cast you to the ground;
    I exposed you before kings,
    to feast their eyes on you.
¹⁸ By the multitude of your iniquities,
    in the unrighteousness of your trade
    you profaned your sanctuaries;
so I brought fire out from your midst;
    it consumed you,
and I turned you to ashes on the earth
    in the sight of all who saw you.
¹⁹ All who know you among the peoples
    are appalled at you;
you have come to a dreadful end
    and shall be no more forever.”

                                    Ezekiel 28 (ESV)

Concluding Thought

Satan will come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever.  That is as exacting a prophecy as all the others that have already come true.  For that reason, all who trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior have no fear in life or death. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

God’s Glory Revealed in Poetry

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How to Trust God in Life’s Darkest Hours Knowing Jesus is More

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The message to Ezekiel in chapter 12 begins with, “you are living in the midst of a rebellious house.^[a] They have eyes to see, but do not see, and ears to hear, but do not hear,^[b] because they are a rebellious house.”   Is that not what we face today?  All around us we hear the clamoring of people all shouting to say that they are the only ones who know truth.  Professing to be wise, they became fools (Romans 1:22).   Ezekiel was called by God to warn the people that judgement was here.  Time had run out; but for the few who might believe, there was hope.  He had seen Jesus sitting upon His throne in a vision and that was enough for hm to do the hard things in Life’s Darkest Hours.

People had ceased to listen to God. It had not been the first time, nor the second, but perhaps the millionth time since the creation.  Lured by all the beauty and riches they had been so graciously given; they were blinded to the true riches that God held in store for them.  As such they cast Him aside, like a child playing in a sandbox never realizing the ocean is just around the corner.  But don’t we do the same? 

So, it is in Chapter 12, God tells Ezekiel to pack his bags and move them down the street.  Then he was to dig through the wall of his house to carry his things again to the street with a hood that covered his face.  This was to arouse the attention of the people.  To pique their curiosity enough that they would ask him. “Why?” 

In Life’s Darkest Hours

Are we not in a similar situation?  There is a pandemic.  Tornadoes spin across the earth with devastation in their path.  Wars and rumors of war rage globally.  Violence fills our streets.  In a time when the churches have greater opportunity to spread the gospel, who are listening?  Of those who attend church, how many are there to truly worship Jesus, giving Him the glory?  Or how many go merely to check off a box for the week, hoping the pastor or someone says something to tickle their fancy, making them feel better about who they are.  Maybe for a moment, our fear and anger will subside.

The message that Ezekiel was to tell them once he had their attention was a bleak one.  It was life’s darkest hour for them. All the extensions of time for the city of Jerusalem over.  The king will be taken to Babylon. His eyes will be gouged out.  Judgement now inevitable.  The only ray of hope was for the few who would repent and believe. 

AND US?

As we look around us, do we not also see the signs?  Unless this nation repents, there is no holding off the judgement that is coming or is already here.  And not only our nation, but the world.  So, are we listening?  Are we, in the darkest hours of life, willing to proclaim to all who will listen that Jesus is More!  He is more precious than all this stuff we are holding onto in this world.    Ezekiel knew that truth and therefore did all that God commanded him.  His desire was that  some would hear, for as many as would believe, would be saved.  The remnant represented God’s grace pressing forward to the coming of Jesus Christ.  And we, must be looking forward because one day Jesus will return to claim His throne.

Their Crimes Enumerated

Ezekiel was told of all their Sins

If you ever thought that God was or is unjustified in His wrath, read the atrocities as expressed in Ezekiel 13 through 19.  However, as you read them, note they are the same as ours.  Ezekiel lived in what would seem for him the darkest hour.  Afterall, he was already in exile.  What gave him strength for the journey? He knew Jesus was more wonderful and more precious. Whatever the cost to worship, Ezekiel knew Jesus is worth it.  He is worthy of all honor and praise.  Jesus is more righteous and glorious than we can even comprehend.  Therefore, knowing He is worthy, we are willing to give our all for Him.  Just to know Him.  Is there any price too great to pay for the precious chance of knowing Him for eternity?  Furthermore, because of that, what price is too great to pay for the salvation of one soul?

Ezekiel had to see everyone as potentially a part of the remnant.  In other words, we need to begin to see everyone we meet as potential converts for Jesus as well.  No one is outside of the possibility of being save.  For some all we can do is pray.  Yet, when the spirit calls us to speak, we speak.  Ezekiel took no pleasure in condemning even those who were walking contrary to God, and neither should we be.

Special Note

How often do we forget the debt of sin He has forgiven us?  At the same time, how often do we choose to criticize those around us.  Should we not remember the debt of sin we are forgiven daily?  And thereby pray for those whom God has placed in leadership within the church and the nation.  At minimum, we need to understand that those who are in church ministry are facing daily a barrage of attacks by Satan who wants to silence them or destroy their testimony. Would you or I be able to withstand the attack they face?  Or do we take the time to try to understand the pressure they might feel. 

Afterall Ezekiel had been told by God that he would be responsible for the people if he failed to speak when God asked him to.  I, too, at times have been guilty of this, which is why I must every moment try to be conscious of the Holy Spirits guidance.  Reading and studying God’s word.  Soaking it in.  Like an athlete we must train. 

STEPS OF TRAINING

1.  Diet—God’s word
2. Exercise—Put to action what we have read
3. Rest- Trust in His word.  All that God prophesied in the Old Testament historically came true just as He said.  WE can trust the same to be in the future for us. 
4. Pray—there never is a time He is not present, knowing where we are or what we are doing.  Yet, prayer is our connection to His heart, so we might feel His presence more.
5. Always striving to beat our own best score—knowing in Him we have the victory.

In the darkest hours, remember Jesus is more

Ezekiel 20, God has Ezekiel remind the Elders of how patient God has been through the ages.  Repetitively, God stretched out His hands to redeem His people.  And repetitively they have turned their back on Him.  I urge you to read it.

Then, let us look at how He still marched forward.  Then the God of this universe, the creator of all came to earth as a baby.  So fragile, born to a poor family.  Laid in a manger.  Our King.  The word of God made flesh and dwelt among us.  All this so that we might have the chance to be saved. 

Therefore, in our darkest hour, our strength comes from knowing Jesus is More.  He is the only truth we need to know.  In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.^[c] No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Did not Jesus tell Pilate “You say that I am a king. For this reason, I was born, and for this reason I came into the world—to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to^[dc] my voice.” And Pilate’s reply?  ³⁸ Pilate asked,^[dd] “What is truth?” (John 18).   

The answer:  Jesus is truth and Jesus is more than we could ever hope for in this world. 

C.S. Lewis wrote:

“It may be possible for each to think too much of his own potential glory hereafter; it is hardly possible for him to think too often or too deeply about that of his neighbor. The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor’s glory should be laid daily on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken. …

“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which,if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations

“It is in light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations — these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit. … Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

So, Therefore, in the darkest hours of life

Let us each have the longing to ask the Holy Spirit to place this burden upon our hearts as well as we go into this a New Year.  Knowing Jesus is more, let us determine to proclaim this truth to the world around us.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

God’s Glory Revealed in Poetry

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Lord It Always Was You Pursuing My Heart with Your Joy Sublime

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

Just as in the days of Ezekiel and throughout history.  It always was You, Lord pursuing our hearts.

  Many will try to say, no all-powerful God could stand by while all the evil we see destroys this world.  Yet, I am here to say, His patience in the face of evil is what so demonstrates His pursuing love of humanity.   You or I would have quickly cast aside and destroyed everything. Or never created any of it.  No pain, but He loved us too much. Think of this! Perfect righteousness and justice has quietly, patiently pursued all of humanity despite their laughing at Him, mocking Him and spitting Him in the face.  Oh there were times when evil grew so great, that judgement must come to save the remnant. For it would take a remnant of believers to lead to His greatest gift, Jesus Christ.   Only through Jesus’s willing sacrifice could salvation be bought for all who would believe.

God’s full essence came to dwell with us so He might be the sacrifice for my sin and for yours.  He has pursued me with an everlasting love since before I was ever born.  He is that missing piece that every heart searches for.  Joy everlasting is who He is. 

That is what Christmas is all about.  God, the Almighty, Perfectly Righteous creator of all the Universe loved you so much that He left the splendor of heaven.  He lived a life of laborious work amongst the poor and downtrodden.  Betrayed, spit upon, beaten and bruised; He died a shame filled death on the cross to pay the price for my rebellion and yours.  Yet, through it all He has pursued each of us with His everlasting love.  Wanting to lavish us with His joy, His peace, and His glory; He stands with patient open arms waiting for you to accept this gift today. 

Always was You, Lord

It is hard to imagine a love that magnificent, that overwhelming and that powerful to endure everything that He hates to accomplish all that He loves—which is to win the hearts of you and me.  Oh, Lord it truly always was you calling my name.   Born within our hearts is a desire for eternity and perfect joy; but those are not things found in this world.  Part of God’s pursuing love is that.  We long for what we cannot find in this world, that we might seek Him.   And so, I write for Him this song. 

It Always was You

A glimpse and a moment of joy so divine

I wanted to keep it and make it all mine

But it came and it went, like a butterfly’s kiss

Yet, for that brief moment, what wonder and bliss!

---

Then I searched and I searched to find it again

But what do I do or where to begin?

Maybe a lover, or maybe success

A kiss, a promotion, perhaps a new dress

---

I could travel the world only to see

That nothing could bring that joy back to me

Not more than a second or two at the most

Though I held on so tight, I had it almost

---

Yet, there in the darkness when I was alone

My spirit depressed, my heart did bemoan

The plight of this world, why could I not see

Where or where could joy really be

---

Then into the darkness I saw a shimmer of light

A star piercing through the dark of the night

Grew larger and larger until oh so bright

Joy filled my heart, such wonder, delight

---

Then to my knees, I slid from my bed

Unable to speak, I bowed low my head

Like a flash in my brain, I suddenly knew

Those moments of joy had always been You

---

You chased me, pursued me throughout all those years

Though I ran from You, choosing worries and fears

Your love it sustained me, through rivers of tears

To bring me this day full of rapturous cheers

---

Before the creation, you saw who I was

You loved me in spite of the pain I would cause

I ran from Your love, I thought I was right

Still, you pursued me with all of Your might

---

So gently you waited until I was done

Pursuing desires and then You had won

My heart and my life, they are fully Yours

Though broken and shattered, Your love-it restores

---

It always was You, what a fool I have been

While You patiently waited- I chased after sin

But now as I sit and gaze at Your face

Smitten by joy, Your love, and Your grace.

---

There’s no other place that I’d rather be

Than to sit in Your presence eternally

Safe and secure below Your precious gaze

My heart overflowing with love songs of praise

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!

² Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ^[b]ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

³ When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
⁴ What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit^[c] him?
⁵ For You have made him a little lower than ^[d]the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

⁶ You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
⁷ All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
⁸ The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.

⁹ O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

God’s Glory Revealed in Poetry

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When All My Heart is Fully Thine

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

When All My Heart is Fully Thine

by Effie Darlene Barba

Awakened in the early morn

By cries of those so lost forlorn

Crushed further by the ones who say

They are the ones who know the way

Their lies they spread from far and wide

Deceptions built from foolish pride

Proclaiming hope and peace each day

While leading masses far astray

Unleashing wrath as sin unfurled

They further break this broken world

Out of this darkness, Lord I do pray

I need your light to guide my way

You are the truth, my one desire

So, light within my heart this fire

To reach the world, they too must know

The depth of riches You bestow

Upon a humble, trembling soul

Whose life so broken by the toll

Of all this world offered instead

That robbed their joy, left them for dead.

If only they could see Your face

So full of love, amazing grace

Then they would know You are the One 

That Gave your all.  You gave Your son

To offer them eternal life

Taking their pain, their tears and strife

You bore it all upon a cross

You took their shame and all their loss

Oh Lord help me to lay aside

Myself with all my foolish pride

Keep me from this world’s allure

Which pulls me far from what is sure

For You are all I’ll ever need

So, take this heart, though it may bleed

Remove away each dark stained bit

And build a throne where You may sit

Your spirit fill each part of me

Shine forth Your light for all to see

Jesus precious Savior, King

The only song my heart can sing

He is the truth the life the way

So, let us bow to Him today

Laying aside all other thought

To worship you my life was bought

So, Lord, I give You all of me

To worship You eternally

Your joy, your hope and strength are mine

When all my heart is fully thine

So, let me stay here on my knees

‘til You are all that my heart sees

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

God’s Glory Revealed in Poetry

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

The nation stood divided.  There were the northern 10 tribes of Israel and then there was Judah comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.  Beyond their battling against each other, there were the nations surrounding them.  God had been their protection and their source for everything; but, they chose to worship many idols.  With foreheads of flint, they thought they could both be of this world and do just enough to appease God.  Yet, along the way God would send His prophets to warn them.  These men were willing to sacrifice everything this world could offer to become truly radical for God’s Glory.  Ezekiel was such a man, as we will find in this study.  His faith stood amid trials we could hardly imagine enduring.  In such a time as this, we too need to become truly radical for God’s Glory.

Israel had already fallen to the Assyrians in 722 BC.  This had been after many years of God’s mercy and patience.  Yet, despite the word of God going forth to them, the people chose earthly pleasures and pagan worship over the one true God.  They maintained only a semblance of worship for God, mixed with everything else.  Yet, their hearts were cold.  They failed to see God’s Glory as something to seek after.  Nor did they remember His words.  One might think the remaining tribes would seek God after seeing the fate of their brothers from the north; but alas they did not.  God sent them Isaiah to tell them of His Son.  Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah all warned them of the impending judgement and wrath of God.   Still, no one listened.

Despite several God-fearing Kings leading the people back to God, they rebuilt the Pagan altars defiling the name of God

JUDAH- a nation teetering on the edge

As noted above the northern tribes were overtaken by the Assyrian Army, who would have taken Judah as well were it not for the repentance of King Manesseh.  How great is God’s Mercy!   “The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loyal love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but by no means clearing the guilty (those who do not turn from their wicked ways)” Numbers 14:18 NET.  King Manesseh was very evil until he was taken captive. Then after God restored him to his throne, he tore down all the pagan altars.  Even the one where he had sacrificed his own son to Molech.  When his son Amon took the throne, evil once more reigned throughout the land.  The pagan altars restored, only to be destroyed again by his grandson Josiah.

Josiah was the last God-fearing, good King of Judah before the ultimate overthrow by the Babylonian empire.  Zephaniah was the prophet during these times who foretold of the destruction of Jerusalem for its evil deeds and idolatrous worship.  Yet, he calls to the people to seek God, declaring that from this remnant, God would restore a people to Himself.  He points out that all the wrath and destruction against Judah and all the other evil nations was for one purpose—to purify the nations and that they might know the Lord. Then, for those who seek God, there was this promise.

 “ ¹⁷ The Lord your God is in your midst;
he is a warrior who can deliver.
He takes great delight in you;^[av]
he renews you by his love;^[aw]
he shouts for joy over you.”^[  Zephaniah 3

Jeremiah/Daniel/Ezekiel: Called to declare God’s Glory

Jeremiah also was God’s prophet inside of Jerusalem beginning in the years of King Josiah and all the way to the Babylonian overthrowing of Jerusalem. He gave up everything for the Lord and suffered great torture by the evil Kings and evil prophets of his day.  He remained faithful as God’s weeping prophet truly radical for God’s Glory to be known. 

Daniel was taken captive in 605 BC by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon as a warning to Judah not to align with Egypt. 

There was a second siege of people from Jerusalem in 597BC which included Ezekiel who was taken into the countryside just south of Babylon to work the fields. 

Jeremiah did remain in Jerusalem until nearly the end when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed all of Jerusalem, burning it to the ground in 586 BC.

Now after setting the stage, let us study Ezekiel.  Do note the similarities to what we face even today in our own nation.  Ask yourself what it would take to become truly radical for God’s Glory.

Ezekiel—Truly Radical for God’s Glory

We begin in Ezekiel 1 with a detailed description as to the time and place where Ezekiel was first called into ministry.  After 5 years of captivity, as he turned 30 years old, God called him.  Being a priest, it was customary that they assume their ordained role as priest at age 30 (just as did Jesus over nearly 600 years later).  He was given a vision of God that made him truly radical for God’s Glory. 

1 In the thirtieth year,^[a] on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles^[b] at the Kebar River,^[c] the heavens opened^[d] and I saw a divine vision.^[e] 2 (On the fifth day of the month—it was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile— ³ the Lord’s message came to the priest Ezekiel^[f] the son of Buzi,^[g] at the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians.^[h] The hand^[i] of the Lord came on him there.)

Do you remember the moment God placed His hand on you? Oh you might say, if the Lord’s message came to me, then I would seek to do His will.  But is not His message there waiting for you every morning? You have His written word that will reveal to you all you need to know of Him. All you must do is open it to see God’s Glory revealed to you. Or look around you. The sky, the earth, and the stars at night all pointing toward His Glory. All of creation declares His glory.

Ezekiel 1: 4-24: Glory and Majesty on Display

In detail, Ezekiel attempts to describe the indescribable.  As he depicts the cherubim riding on the storm into our world, he presents them as large creatures with 4 wings, with hands, with fire and lightning coming from their bodies.

These are the cherubim of God who surround His throne and lead his chariot.  Ezekiel’s vision closely resembles that of John’s vision in Revelation 4.  Nothing like the chubby babies we draw pictures of.  Rather they are fierce and majestic creatures doing the will of God.  The spirit leads them.  But note how they are led. 

All that God has Planned Will be Accomplished

¹⁵ Then I looked,^[ad] and I saw one wheel^[ae] on the ground^[af] beside each of the four beings. ¹⁶ The appearance of the wheels and their construction^[ag] was like gleaming jasper,^[ah] and all four wheels looked alike. Their structure was like a wheel within a wheel.^[ai] 17 When they moved they would go in any of the four directions they faced without turning as they moved. ¹⁸ Their rims were high and awesome,^[aj] and the rims of all four wheels were full of eyes all around…

²⁰ Wherever the spirit^[ak] would go, they would go,^[al] and the wheels would rise up beside them because the spirit^[am] of the living being was in the wheel. ²¹ When the living beings moved, the wheels moved, and when they stopped moving, the wheels stopped.^[an] When they rose up from the ground, the wheels rose up from the ground; the wheels rose up beside them because the spirit of the living being was in the wheel.

The Wheels represented the Holy Spirit.  God’s omniscience always sees everything in every direction.  He moves ever forward to accomplish all that He has planned.  Nothing can thwart His plan.  On this truth, we can be certain. 

²² Over the heads of the living beings was something like a platform,^[ao] glittering awesomely like ice,^[ap] stretched out over their heads. ²³ Under the platform their wings were stretched out, each toward the other. Each of the beings also had two wings covering^[aq] its body. ²⁴ When they moved, I heard the sound of their wings—it was like the sound of rushing waters, or the voice of the Sovereign One,^[ar] or the tumult^[as] of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.

Jesus On His Throne-God’s Glory revealed

²⁵ Then there was a voice from above the platform over their heads when they stood still.^[at] 26 Above the platform over their heads was something like a sapphire shaped like a throne. High above on the throne was a form that appeared to be a man. ²⁷ I saw an amber glow^[au] like a fire enclosed all around^[av] from his waist up. From his waist down I saw something that looked like fire. There was a brilliant light around it, ²⁸ like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds after the rain.^[aw] This was the appearance of the surrounding brilliant light; it looked like the glory of the Lord. When I saw^[ax] it, I threw myself face down, and I heard a voice speaking.

Some would say, if I truly saw Jesus in a vision then I could be radical for God’s glory.  But is that true?  All one must do is look around yourself and see His Glory.  He that has eyes let him see.  Or look at all He has done for you?   Therein you will see His Glory like Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and John.  You will see Him on His throne High and lifted up.  When we spiritually see His glory, we too will fall before His majesty.  Then we too will become radical for God’s Glory, declaring it to everyone we meet.  Unashamed by the gospel message. 

Furthermore, God equips us with everything we need, if only we ask Him to. 

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS- Radical for God’s Glory

Sadly, our world today reveals the same as in the days, of Noah, Sodom, and Ezekiel. Destruction, division, wars, idolatry, chaos, and violence surround us every day. This world is broken due to sin. Humanity is filled with vile selfish pride, regardless of the cost. We worship the Sun, the moon, money, sex, and power. All around us are false teachers and prophets, bidding us to believe the lies for truth. Yet, there is God. His plan moves forward in time. Soon, He will call an end to this age. Where will you stand?

Do you choose Him? He offers salvation at no cost to you, for He paid the price. The only thing is you must come to Him and seek Him, accepting His gift. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. There is no other way to God. Have we not already learned that by now? So, the question is what will you do with Jesus? And what will it take for you to become radical for His glory. He has called you to be the messenger to the world. What are you willing to do for Him and to honor His Glory?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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God’s Glory Revealed in Poetry

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DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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