| |
This chapter, as a whole, is about the destruction of Israel’s enemies. The smaller story line, however, is the enemy within. For Israel, they would not experience the punishment of the enemies around them, as verse 7 indicates. But, they would endure refinement through struggle. They were going to experience a tough love by being taken into captivity. A remnant would remain.
I have been wrestling with a similar idea now for several weeks. What are walls we’ve built around our heart that are preventing spiritual growth? A slightly more frightening question is, what is it going to take to break down those walls? As Mona Jean Workman told me just a few weeks ago, “We build those walls brick by brick, and He takes them down brick by brick.” Sometimes those walls are huge, and God takes His time. In other instances, the wall comes crashing down.
Either way, we are forced to face the truth that He loves us and will do anything to grow us. Anything. Many of us have barriers right now that we don’t even know about – myself included. It’s easy to hide behind those walls, never repent, never truly love, and serve yourself. But Jesus calls us deeper.
Here in chapter 27, I am reminded that God had to work an inside job. Yes, there were the enemies of Israel that would be eradicated just like this world and Satan himself will be one day. But there is also the foolish human heart that continually led Israel back to their idols. The good news is, God does not send us into exile. He has provided a Savior. God has empowered us with the Holy Spirit, who works to bulldoze the fortified city we have built around our heart.
Where is God beginning to demolish your city? Where is He taking your walls down brick by brick? Most importantly, what is your response?
View Comments
I’m so grateful that JESUS has been showing me my walls of pride and arrogance, my desperate need and dependence on HIM to change my heart! To know and understand that my sin is against y GOD! I need the humility in order to bare fruit for HIM.
HELP ME LORD JESUS!