Reading: Ezekiel 43-45
In the land shall be his possession in Israel: and My princes shall no more oppress My people; and the rest of the land shall they give to the house of Israel according to their tribes. Thus saith the Lord God; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from My people, saith the Lord God. Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath(Ezek. 45:8-10).
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Rom. 13:1). Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you (Heb. 13:17). It is God’s will that we submit to the authority of our earthly leaders. This is not a popular concept amongst modern Christians, who love to throw on modifiers such as “God tells us to obey Godly leaders.” But God attached no such modifier. If the rule and law of man go against the Word of God, we are expected to follow the dictates of God, but He also expects us to accept the consequences of our actions, whether we consider them just or unjust.
Earthly authorities bear a tremendous responsibility, for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account. God will hold them accountable not just for their own actions but also for how they direct those entrusted to their care. In today’s reading, God directs Ezekiel to tell of a time to come when princes shall no more oppress My people, and His people will be led by the fair, just, and Godly. It will be a time of peace and plenty, without need or want, suffused with the Spirit of God. He then goes on to encourage the current princes of Israel not to wait for that future time but rather to go ahead and implement Godly rule in the present day. He reminded them that it was within their power to lead with grace and love instead of unyielding force and greed. He urged them to be fair and equitable in all dealings and never allow their position to weight the scales in their favor.
These words were addressed to the princes of Israel, but those of us in authority over others today would do well to heed God’s advice, and that encompasses a much greater number of people than many would think. Parents, teachers, and administrators. Pastors and other spiritual leaders. Supervisors, bosses, and business owners. Mayors, governors, presidents, and kings. Just think for a minute how much better the world would be if everyone in a position of authority exercised that authority solely by the dictates of God. What would it be like if every leader gave up their own agenda, and God’s will, implemented with love, mercy, and grace, became the law of the land? How perfect would it be if every living soul yielded to that authority? As individual members of the body of Christ, we cannot control the actions of others, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing we can do. We can resolve, from this point forward, to personally lead and follow with Godly commitment and grace.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:13-15).
Thought for Today: Even as it appears the world is spiraling out of control and away from God, we must remember that nothing happens that He has not allowed to happen.
Christ Revealed: As the glory of the Lord (Ezek. 43:4). Jesus is the brightness of His glory (the glory of God), and the express image of His Person (Heb. 1:3).
Word Studies: 43:4 whose prospect is = which faces; 43:12 limit = the whole border, territory; 43:13 higher place of = height of; 43:14 settle = ledge on which the priests stood; 43:17 squares = sides; 44:18 bonnets = turbans, headdresses; 44:22 put away = divorced; 45:24 meat = grain/ cereal/meal.
Pray for StaffRyan McCrary • Government Officials: Rep.Ro Khanna (CA), Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC), Rep. Ann Wagner (MO), Rep. Roger Williams (TX) • Country: Brunei (422,675) Northern Coast of Borneo • Major Languages: Malay, English, Chinese • Restricted Religious Freedom • 78.8% Muslim; 8.7% Christian; 7.8% Buddhist; 4.7% Other (Includes Indigenous Beliefs) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to be considerate to the less fortunate (Ps. 41:1).
Optional Reading: Revelations 18