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After introducing His hand of judgment, God reveals four ways in which He will punish the rebellious people.
Ezekiel 14:13 – “If a country sins…My Hand….will bring famine.”Ezekiel 14:15 – “If I were to send…wild animals.”Ezekiel 14:17 – “If I should bring…a sword.”Ezekiel 14:19 – “If I should send…a plague.”
For thus says the Lord GOD, “How much more when I send My four severe judgments against Jerusalem: sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague to cut off man and beast from it!
Ezekiel 14:21 NASB
The prophet Jeremiah was preaching the same message to the people…
“I will appoint over them four kinds of doom,” declares the LORD: “the sword to slay, the dogs to drag off, and the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
Jeremiah 15:3 NASB
God is specific and comprehensive. The judgment is guaranteed to happen. He highlights the severity of the existing sin condition by using Noah, Daniel and Job as examples. These were men of great faith who were powerful in their intercession for the people. But even they would not be able to stop the impending wrath that was coming. The prophet Jeremiah again gives a similar message…
Then the LORD said to me, “Even though Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not be with this people; send them away from My presence and let them go!
Jeremiah 15:1 NASB
These are tough thoughts to swallow. Some preachers and teachers skip over these passages because they are depressing and violent. I would argue that in order for us to see Christ in all His glory, we must read these verses with an honest heart. To understand the severity of sin allows us to experience the fullness of grace.
Consider this truth for the believer. We are these people. We are the ones worthy of this wrath. Noah, Job, Moses, and Samuel cannot save you from your sin against the Father. As faithful and righteous as they may have been, they too are sinners in the end. They cannot intercede for you. However, there is One who did. Jesus stands between you and God and pours out His blood and body for your transgressions. The holy wrath that we read in this chapter is satisfied on the cross! What an amazing thought!
How are you living today because of this Good News?
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