Topic: You Cannot Abuse God
Opening Prayer: Help me to understand the exceeding greatness of your power as I read through this passage, dear Lord.
Scripture: Ezekiel 20:1-20
Question(s) for Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
MESSAGE
Although the Lord had shown the people of Israel love continuously,they persisted in disobeying Him. Despite their untiring disobedience, the elders came to the prophet to inquire of the Lord. In African traditional religion, people often go to consult the “Seer.” This they do only when things are going wrong and they cannot see the way out of their mess. Their expectation is that the Seer would prescribe the sacrifices that will appease the gods and set things right. How they live their lives is not an issue.
God’s people approached Him with the same mindset, the third occasion in this book (8:1; 14:1). How often do we too seek to hear pleasant prophetic messages from God and desire to receive His blessings, even quoting lengthy scriptures of His rich promises, yet, we are not ready to follow God or obey Him? God refused to meet them on their own terms but on His (v.3). His response to them was a detailed history lesson.
Notice what He brings to their remembrance in vs.4-12? Check out what Israel did in vs.8,13 and 16, and what God did in the verses immediately following. What was God’s reason according to v.9? Truly, our God is long suffering in His dealings with His children. It is important, however, that we heed Paul’s warning in Romans 6:1.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Help me, dear Lord, to set the right priorities for my life.
• Pray against harmful books and multimedia materials that masquerade as Christian materials.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Isaiah 35:4; Psalms 105-106; Gal. 5
Click to Read the previous editions of Scripture Union Devotionals
Scripture Union Daily Guide 20 August 2021. Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God