Ezekiel 8:17-18 Then He said unto me, Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the House of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and lo they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: My Eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.
The Prophetic Vision given to Ezekiel is not a pretty picture. In fact, it is deplorable in the eyes of God and here in the last two verses of Chapter 8, the Lord gives His rebuke. Many people believe God does not get angry with His people but simply continues to forgive them over and over again no matter the sin. A study of this single Chapter in the Book of Ezekiel proves these people wrong!
While God is quick to forgive, and His Mercy unending, His Forgiveness and Mercy are ONLY granted in response to true repentance. Only when people “turn back” to God, falling on their faces before Him in sincere repentance, will He have Mercy on them and forgive them.
If my people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN will I hear from Heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
What Ezekiel saw in this Vision is an accurate depiction of the Church today and God is angry! We the people, make up the Body of Christ. Each of us has a responsibility to conduct our personal lives in a manner that is pleasing to God. We each have a part to play and together we create a body of people living for the Lord.
As a nation, America has failed to be pleasing to the Eyes of God. He has been patient and long-suffering with us, but I wonder how much longer He will wait. Jesus died so that we may have Victory OVER sin and that it may not have dominion over us. However, America has CHOSEN sin over the Righteousness of God. As a people, we have put laws on the books that are an abomination in the Eyes of God. It is no wonder America is in the condition it is.
Everything the Lord showed Ezekiel in this Vision is happening in the Church today. The demonic spirit of jealousy is extremely prevalent as pastors and elders clamor for people and their money. It’s all about “nickels, noses, and numbers” in the church today. The emphasis is not on sharing the Gospel and seeing the people saved, healed, and delivered. Rather, it’s on building a bigger building than the church down the street and obtaining greater assets.
Sin is rarely the subject of a sermon because someone may get their feelings hurt and stop coming. Admitting we are sinners and understanding we are all in need of a Savior is the first step to Salvation! It is impossible to preach the Gospel and not talk about sin. This politically correct, social gospel is the thick wall that stands between the lost person and the true, born-again Salvation experience.
The idols that are worshipped are far too many to name. I believe God is angry and like Ezekiel, He is dragging us by the hair of our head and asking, Have you seen this, son of man? Those who see what is going on and continue to be a part of the abomination WILL answer for their actions.
God said, Therefore will I also deal in fury: My Eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.
True, sincere repentance is the only answer. America MUST turn back to God. We MUST! ! !
One way or another, God will……..turn the tide
Hopeful, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org