Ezekiel 4-7
God’s Wrath
In these chapters of Ezekiel we read of God’s wrath toward those who remain in Jerusalem who, because of sin, have rejected God even though they made a covenant with Him to be His people. Ezekiel is among the exiles taken from Jerusalem and relocated in Babylon. Although they have been removed from their homeland and are mourning their loss, the exiles seem to be in relative safety compared to those who remain in Jerusalem, God is using Ezekiel to prophesy the coming destruction of the city as God pours out His wrath. It will be a terrible time for those who remain in the city.
In the future God will raise up a remnant from those who have been taken captive to Babylon, but it was their rejection of the covenant with God that got them where they are. The exile has gotten their attention and they are starting to be willing to listen now. God is sending a message to them through Ezekiel and He means what He says. The destruction of Jerusalem really happened just as God said to serve as a warning to us and others. You don’t want to experience the wrath of God.
Presently we are experiencing the deception and then the wrath of the devil. First he deceives people to the point where they become trapped and enslaved in their actions that follow their beliefs. This is the devil’s wrath, however, the devil’s wrath is nothing compared to the wrath of God that will one day come upon the whole earth. The book of Revelation describes God’s wrath in detail. The world as we know it will be destroyed. After God’s wrath has accomplished its purpose we are promised that God is going to make everything new. There is only one way that we can avoid the wrath of God. That way is to put our faith in Christ Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NKJ
When Jesus was crucified on the cross he died a lawbreaker’s death, though He broke no laws. He died a sinners death, though He committed no sin. In the events leading up to the cross Jesus experienced the wrath of the devil, but on the cross, the wrath of God was placed on Him for the sins of the world. Jesus took the wrath of God for our sin and the sins of the whole world. To all who will believe in Him and receive His sacrifice for their sin, Jesus offers forgiveness of their sin which is the only way we can escape the wrath of God.
The Bible declares that we do not know the day or the hour of the coming judgment and wrath of God. Things will be going along as always, but all of a sudden, like a flash flood, His judgment and wrath will come upon the world. I have had people tell me that they are not worried about the wrath of God or Hell. They say to me that when they are in Hell they will be with their friends playing cards and all, and that they will be having a good time. Well, I just read Chapters 4 through 7 and did not see any mention of card games or anyone having a good time. I wonder if they think it is wise to place a bet on a casual hope they have made up in their minds, rather than on the eternal hope God offers in his Bible which has withstood the test of time?
While there is still time, why not call out to the Lord and ask that you might escape the coming wrath of God and accept the new life and new hope Jesus offers?
“For He says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV
May God Grant Mercy
Pastor Dave