Tag: Israel

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The Message for a Divided Nation

Daily Reading

Ezekiel 37-39

Daily Thought

Ezekiel is a prophet, and, in one sense, a prophet of doom, Israel’s doom. The united nation of Israel became divided under the poor leadership following the successful reign of Solomon. Godly leadership is essential, Israel was found lacking, and the nation split and would fall, first Israel to the north, and now, at the time of Ezekiel, Judah in the south. God, nevertheless, remains One and true, and in him must be our allegiance and trust. Israel will someday learn again God is not done with them.

Ezekiel has a vision of the future restoration of Israel. They died in judgment, but God will breathe new life into their old dry bones, “Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live” (Ezekiel 37:9). Three thousand years have passed and on Friday, May 14, 1948, the Israeli Declaration of Independence announced that the State of Israel has been formally established on land where, in antiquity, the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah had once been. The nation of Israel is still on the map.

This, however, is not the final chapter. Ezekiel sees another vision of the evil king Gog, born in the land of Magog, ruler over Meshach and Tubal, who will lead an army from the four corners of the earth against Israel (Ezekiel 38:1-6). Gog represents all of Israel’s enemies attempting to crush God’s people; but God is greater than Gog, “On that day, the day that Gog shall come against the land of Israel, declares the Lord God, my wrath will be roused in my anger. I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 38:18, 23).

The lesson of history is to trust not in any one nation, but in the one Name, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). The prophet of God is not foremost one of doom, but always one of hope. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). If it is not good yet, God is not done yet.

“And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.” ~Ezekiel 39:7

Daily Prayer

My God, You are the giver of life, both the first time, and then again. You bring us out of the grave, for we are to You the aroma of Christ, the fragrance of life. We have His righteousness.

Thank You for breathing life back in me through Your Holy Spirit. This second time, You are in control, You are on the throne, You are my Lord and Savior. I live my life now in Christ for Your glory and pleasure, taking off the grave clothes and clothing myself in Your love and holiness.

Amen

Daily Question

Which has a greater impact on your life, your citizenship to your country or your citizenship in God’s Kingdom?

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“Israel”

Daily Reading

Genesis 32-34

Daily Thought

It had been quite a night, wrestling in his sleep with what at first Jacob thought was a man, but could only have been God. Jacob lasted the fight and won a blessing, but before the blessing, God gave Jacob a new name to remind him of the curse–the curse man and woman have known since they ate the forbidden fruit–that his will be a life of conflict with creation, creatures, and Creator. God gave Jacob a lifelong reminder, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28). Israel means “the one who struggles with God.” and that was Jacob, who looked out only for himself, wrestled with God, and triumphed over others by conquest. Just like the rest of us.

We need a new name to follow and there is another, a Name above every name, one who offers us a different way. When Jesus says, “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9), he isn’t saying merely get up, but turn around, because we are headed the wrong direction, following the wrong name. Rather than looking out for ourselves like Israel, Jesus looks out for others. Rather than wrestling with God, Jesus listens to His Father. Rather than triumph by conquest, Jesus triumphs by serving.

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Matthew 11:29

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son, my Savior, the Name above all names. Thank You for Your grace, that You came to seek and save the lost. Me!

God, teach me to serve others, to love others. Father, may I stop the struggle and surrender to Your ways. May I serve You by serving others. May I overcome the curse by being a blessing in Your Name.

Amen

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Chutzpah

Daily Reading

Genesis 16-18

Daily Thought

Chutzpah, a Yiddish word, means audacity, utter nerve, effrontery, nearly arrogant courage, impudence, supreme self-confidence, unbelievable gall, insolence. It sounds bad and often is, most frequently, perhaps in New York City when jaywalking pedestrians stride into traffic oblivious to car, taxi, or bus, then pound on the hood and holler at the car that would have hit them had the driver not slammed on the brake.

There is bad chutzpah. Arrogant insolence. Don’t do that. 

But there is good chutzpah. Abraham had a good chutzpah. He argued with God over His plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. “What if there are 50 righteous? 45? 40? 30? 20? 10?” (Genesis 18:23-33) Moses had good chutzpah. He, too, argued with God to save His own people, even when they were wrong (Numbers 14:13-19). Jacob wrestled all night with what appeared to be a man, but was at least an angel, and he won, or survived, at least (Genesis 32:24-32). In the morning God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, “for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28). Jacob’s chutzpah was on display and the very name of the nation Israel is a kind of chutzpah. It means “wrestles with God.” 

Jesus draws a picture of prayer by telling a story of a widow pounding all night long on the door of the town judge, demanding justice against an adversary (Luke 18:1-8). It seems God invites a certain kind of chutzpah, good chutzpah, into our relationship with him. How’s your walk with God? Routine? Perhaps it could use some chutzpah.

Daily Prayer

My God, I love Your promises. Ask anything in faith and it will be done for you. You do not have, because you do not ask. God, may I be bold with You. May I trust You so much that I believe You go before me. That You have my best in mind. Not my will, but Yours be done. Delight myself in You and I will have the desires of my heart. All things work for good to those who love You. 

With great boldness, God, may I step out in faith and call on Your promises. May I walk in expectation that You mean what You say, and that my life has meaning because You set my path in front of me. God, I trust You. Transform me, God, into a person of bold, even audacious faith. 

Amen