November 16
(Bible Project video summary Ezekiel Part 2 on YouTube.)
Ezekiel 33-34
Tell them that as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live (Ezekiel 33:11). I know of no other god who is described as the God of the Bible describes Himself. He sends His word by messenger and Scripture day after day hoping people will turn to Him. Let’s face it though, a lot of people prefer to tell God who He can be.
The gods of our age are as numerous as the stars, invented by squirrel-headed people who are too fragile to listen to the real God. They prefer inventing gods who can’t talk back. One does not have to look far to see where that kind of self-idolatry leads. God does not want them to die, but they’re killing themselves.
I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out (34:11). Thank God for Jesus the Good Shepherd who rescues lost sheep (John 10, Hebrews 13). You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God, declares the Lord GOD (34:31).
Hebrews 13
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you (13:17). The writer assumes that spiritual leaders align with God’s word, which is why I keep pressing you to hunger for it, consume it, and meditate on it. If you don’t know what God says, how can you test your leaders? Millions of people follow false prophets who tickle ears to gain control.
When you find a leader, be a joy to lead. It is to your advantage to make things easier for leaders whether they are your Pastor, teacher, manager, or elected official. Why make it hard on yourself?
If you cannot follow your leader, please make sure that it’s because of their unwillingness to follow Scripture. God does not reward contentious children, nor does He accept personality conflict as a valid reason to separate. Whatever the reason, don’t make a scene. Give the leader all the honor that their office deserves (even if they’re undeserving). Do not lie, bow out gracefully, and find someone you can follow.
Psalm 115
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness. Only God is worthy of praise. People do wonderful things, and we are right to reward a good performance. But only God can save us.
Proverbs 27:21-22
A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise he receives. If you’re the one receiving praise, keep things in order and perspective. You don’t want to become the celebrity who believes their press and then suffers from a prideful fall, broken relationships, and misplaced loyalty.
