Ezekiel 35 & 36 -- We Will KNOW He Is The Lord -- One Way Or The Other

It’s very clear here that God wants to reveal Himself to mankind, and that He defends His character and His name when either is attacked.  In verse 4 of chapter 35, God is speaking about Israel’s enemy, Edom, and says, “I will destroy your cities … then you will know that I am the Lord.”  In verse 9, “I will make you a ruin forever … Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

In verses 11 & 12:  “So I will punish you and show the Israelites who I am.  Then you will know that I, the Lord, have heard all your insults…”

In verses 14 & 15:  “… when I make you an empty ruin … Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

Then, speaking about His nation, Israel, in verses 11 & 12 of the next chapter:  “I will make you better off than at the beginning.  Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

In 22-23:  “I am going to act, but not for your sake.  I will do something to help My Holy Name, which you have dishonored … I will prove the holiness of My great name … the nations will know that I am the Lord when I prove myself holy before their eyes …”

I LOVED God’s sovereignty showing up so well in verse 37:  “I will let Myself be ASKED by the people of Israel to do this for them again …”  We aren’t even capable of asking God for assistance apart from His willing even that to occur!

“I will make their people (the Israelites) grow in number like a flock … Her ruined cities will be filled … Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

So what can we take away from this?  One way or another, we all will know that He is the Lord.  If we are for Him, then it will be through His blessings that we will know.  But we will also know Him as Lord if we oppose Him as well, and it will occur through our ruin.  What a shame that some people will actually choose the second way!  But one day every knee will bill and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

Father, I know You as Lord through Your great blessings.  Please keep me close to You, not ever turning away, for I do not want to have to know you as God by the destruction caused by my willful sin.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford