Chapter 782 of 1163

EZEKIEL 20

History (1–32). In his message to the Jewish elders, Ezekiel reviewed the nation’s history: the Exodus (vv. 1–9), the wilderness journey (vv. 10–17), and the conquest of their land (vv. 18–32). He pointed out two facts: (1) the nation was guilty of repeated rebellion against the Lord (vv. 8, 13, 21), and (2) the Lord acted as He did for His name’s sake (vv. 9, 14, 22). He could easily have destroyed the nation, but what would the Gentiles have said about Israel’s God?

Repeated rebellion against God’s will is serious. The Lord is long-suffering, but we must never take this for granted. Eventually He must chasten His rebellious children for His name’s sake. If we do not glorify Him by obeying His commandments, we must glorify Him by submitting to His chastening (Heb. 12).

Hope (33–49). God chastens us that He might restore us, and there is always hope. The repeated “I will” statements assure us that God is working for us and not against us: “I will bring you out! I will plead! I will bring you in! I will accept you!” Why does He do it? “For [His] name’s sake” (v. 44).

Honor God’s Name

For His name’s sake, the Lord forgives our sins (1 John 2:12), guides us (Pss. 23:3; 31:3), deals with us (Ps. 109:21), and revives us (Ps. 143:11). For His name’s sake, we ought to serve Him (3 John 7; Rev. 2:3), sacrifice for Him (Matt. 19:29), and be willing to suffer reproach (Matt. 10:22; 24:9). All that we do should be for the honor and glory of God’s name (1 Cor. 10:31).

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