God's Ways are NOT Thwarted by Our Ways: Judgment is Carried Out

Scripture: Ezekiel 17:6-8

Say, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Will it thrive? Will he not pull up its roots and cut off its fruit, so that it withers—so that all its sprouting leaves wither? And neither by great strength nor by many people can it be raised from its roots again. Behold, though it is planted, will it thrive? Will it not completely wither as soon as the east wind strikes it—wither on the beds where it grew?”’”

Insights: In today’s verses we find the Lord’s judgment on king Zedekiah for his rebellion against the Lord’s will.  Remember, the Lord is the One who sent Babylon to come and pass judgment against Judah.  King Zedekiah, however, courted Egypt to partner with him against Babylon.  King Zedekiah did not realize, or better stated, refused to believe he was not rebellion against Babylon, but the Lord and His will.  As a result, the Lord sends Babylon back to remove king Zedekiah from his position.  Beloved, there are times in our lives in which we think we know better than the Lord.  When we choose to believe we know better than the Lord, we are setting ourselves up for discipline from the Lord.  It is a lot easier if we skip this step and just follow after the Lord and His ways.  I promise you, your life will be much richer and happier if you choose the Lord and His ways.

Questions:

1.  Are you currently experiencing the discipline of the Lord in your life?

2.  How long are you willing to bear up under the discipline of the Lord before you repent and submit to the Lord’s ways?

Prayer: Father, I know my ways are not going to thwart Your judgments.  Help me, Lord, to not attempt to fight against You and Your will.  Let me walk in your grace.  Amen.