03 June 2005 Devotion for Today "A Singular Disaster" Ezekiel 7:5-6

03 June 2005  Devotion for Today  “A Singular Disaster”  Ezekiel 7:5-6

 

            I spoke some of my sailing venture this past week.  Sailing is something I have always wanted to learn.  But there were lessons about the experience that I had to learn before I could actually enjoy this new sport.  I mentioned yesterday that “the rigging always costs more than the hull.”  However, I was grateful that while we had some trouble with the sails they sustained no damage.  There was not much wind that day, and we experienced a few problems with the old boat but it floated remarkably well for having been beached for some fifteen years.  We did, however, spring a small leak in the hull where the centerboard (swing-keel) bolt was not sealed properly.  We had to bail some water but it was not too significant.  More significant, however, was the noted lack of safety equipment after we had decided to set sail.  We had forgotten to install one small piece of equipment that ended up costing us a $125 fine- a fire extinguisher! After the wildlife and fisheries officer pulled away in his boat, Ezekiel’s words clamored in my head as I stood gaping on the deck “A disaster, a singular disaster!”

 

            Ezekiel’s prophecy noted the particular state of the people of Judah in the ensuing calamity which was to befall her:  “Thus says the Lord GOD: "A disaster, a singular disaster; Behold, it has come! ⁶An end has come,  The end has come; It has dawned for you; Behold, it has come!”   Ezekiel 7:5-6

 

            Why did disaster come?  Because Judah, as Israel had done before her, had consistently ignored the warnings of judgment for turning away from God.  They felt they had gotten away from following the Lord for so much and for so long that they really did not believe that they would be held responsible.  Not even the calamity which befell the northern kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians seemed to have made much impact.  In the last chapter we learned how God was going to start over again with a remnant- a new Israel.  It would be decidedly different than the old nation, however.  Their political autonomy was to be no more.  They would no longer have geographical boundaries which defined the land in which they lived.  This new Israel would be scattered through the nations.  The political sovereignty would be defined by the new law and the new covenant which God would one day write upon their hearts.  But to receive this, the Jews-which is what they were to become- must submit to the disaster to end all disasters. 

 

            Are you headed for disaster today?  Turn about and head back into a safe haven where you will be properly fitted for the journey you take today.  Take on Jesus at the helm of your vessel.  Have a blessed day!

Rev. Jeffery C. Russell
Salem Baptist Church
Elizabeth City, NC
jefferyrussell@earthlink.net

 

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