Topic: God’s Forgiving Grace
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, may the entrance of your word bring light and life to all I will do today.
Scripture: Ezekiel 16:44-63
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
We have been going through God’s lament over Israel’s unfaithfulness and the punishment that her sin would bring upon Jerusalem. Today, we end with a look beyond the impending judgment to a time when a humbled and forgiven Israel would be restored to her former glory and exercising authority over her neighbours. Israel’s mixed parentage is recalled, and her two sisters introduced (vs.44-45). Note the strong influence parents can have on their children so the children end up following in their footsteps.
Read vs.47-51 again and note God’s indictment against Israel. How did Samaria and Sodom compare with Israel in their sinfulness? See v.52. In time past, Jerusalem was ashamed to mention the sin of Sodom, but now her reputation is worse (vs.56-58). In what ways do the conducts of Christians today make the behaviour of non-Christians excusable (see 2 Samuel 12:14; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5).
What are the prevailing sinful practices that are eroding our spiritual foundations and what role are parents or the Church playing in encouraging such among their younger ones? God’s promise of restoring Israel was purely based on the free act of His forgiving grace (vs.60-62).
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Dear Father, thank you that you forgive us out of your mercy and grace. May our conduct not be an excuse for sinners to continue in their sinful ways!
• Thank God for Scripture Union and other Christian organizations who produce Christian materials and literatures .
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Luke 11:28;Psalms 51-53; Acts 20:17-38
Scripture Union Daily Guide 30th July 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