Topic: Be Wise [Monday November 20, 2017]
Text: Ezekiel 17:1-10
Key Verse: “It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine” (Ezekiel 17:8).
God has always spoken to the children of Israel about the consequences of breaking His commandments. This time around, He had determined to send them on exile to be afflicted by the wicked nations around them. Babylon and Egypt were always on hand to torment Israel. A riddle was embedded in the parable in today’s text, and God wanted the people to draw their own conclusions.
He used the great eagle, referring to the king of Babylon – Nebuchadnezzar in the parable and talked about different colours referring to the alliance of nations that would invade Israel. During the siege of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar left for a short period of time in order to crush the approaching Egyptians. When evil is determined against a person or a nation, it only takes genuine repentance and a total turnaround to avert it.
The children of Israel had been sinning consistently and God had determined evil against them which must surely be fulfilled. There are so many afflictions that beset people nowadays that are a direct consequence of rebellion against God. Not only had God determined to punish Israel, He also planned to make the punishment grievous by ensuring that the king of Babylon lead other wicked nations to afflict Israel. Whenever any questionable circumstance arises in our lives, we must endeavour to cross-check the source from the Almighty.
Do not join the ranks of those who wrongfully accuse Satan for the many woes they suffer in life. True, Satan is the major architect of afflictions; yet, there are some infirmities that are self-inflicted. To overcome this, the guilty one must sincerely come to terms with himself and turn to God in penitence and contrition for deliverance.
Thought for the day: Repentance replaces God’s judgment with mercy.
Bible Reading in one Year: Ezekiel 14-17
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
