Category: Devotional

Real History, Real People, Real Events: The Tangible Roots of the Christian Faith

The Bible is not just a collection of spiritual teachings but also a document deeply rooted in real history, involving real people and events. Today’s reading from 1 Chronicles 5:18–26; 6:3b–15, 49; 7:1–8:28 emphasizes the genealogies and tribal histories of Israel, highlighting the tangible reality of the biblical narrative. These genealogies are not mere lists; they connect us to the reality of God’s work throughout history, reminding us that the people of the Bible were real, living individuals who played pivotal roles in the unfolding story of redemption.

The historical context provided by these passages serves as a reminder that Christianity is not based on abstract ideas or mythical tales but on actual events that took place in time and space. The genealogies link the biblical narrative to specific tribes, families, and historical events, showing that the Bible’s claims are grounded in the real world. For those who may question the validity of Christianity, this historical rootedness offers a strong apologetic, demonstrating that the faith is not just a spiritual philosophy but a historically verifiable reality.

Understanding the Bible as a historical document also deepens our faith. It reassures us that the God who interacted with real people in the past is the same God who is active in our lives today. The reliability of the Bible’s historical accounts strengthens our confidence in its spiritual promises, encouraging us to trust in God’s faithfulness throughout history and into our own lives.

For modern believers, recognizing the Bible’s historical credibility is crucial. It challenges the notion that faith is irrational or detached from reality, showing that our beliefs are rooted in evidence and history. This understanding empowers us to live out our faith with confidence, knowing that we follow a God who has been faithful to His promises throughout history and continues to fulfill them in our lives today.

Son of Man — What Does THAT Mean?

During today’s reading, I again noticed Ezekiel being constantly referred to as the “son of man.” So I would like to briefly explore what this phrase means, where we see it in Scripture, and why it is significant.

In the case of Ezekiel, “son of man” is meant to underscore his human frailty and his role as a representative of the people. Over 90 times, God addresses Ezekiel with this title, reminding him of his position as a mortal messenger delivering divine words. Ezekiel’s use of “son of man” connects him to the people of Israel, highlighting that, like them, he is a mere human with a responsibility to share God’s message, particularly concerning personal responsibility for sin and repentance (Ezekiel 33:10-20).

The title “son of man” also appears in Daniel 7:13-14, where “one like a son of man” is depicted as a divine figure who comes with the clouds of heaven and is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. This vision is messianic, pointing to a figure who will rule over all nations, and it is this aspect of the title that Jesus refers to when He calls Himself the “Son of Man.” His audience would have understood the profound implications of this self-designation, recognizing it as a claim to divine authority and fulfillment of the messianic prophecy.

So what does recognizing Jesus as the “Son of Man” mean for us today? This title carries profound implications for our lives and calls us to action in several key ways:

First, it reminds us that Jesus identifies with us. As the “son of man” from Ezekiel, Jesus shared in our humanity. He experienced the trials, temptations, and sufferings that we face. This means that when we struggle, we can turn to Jesus, knowing that He understands our pain. This shared experience is not just a point of empathy but a call for us to lean on Him in our weakness. We are encouraged to follow His example, living a life of obedience and reliance on God even in the face of suffering.

Second, it emphasizes Jesus’ authority. As the “son of man” from Daniel, He is the one given all power and dominion. This recognition demands our submission to His lordship. Jesus is not just a compassionate friend but the sovereign ruler of all creation. Our response should be one of reverence, acknowledging His authority in every aspect of our lives. This calls us to obedience, aligning our wills with His and allowing His authority to guide our decisions, actions, and attitudes.

Third, it assures us of God’s faithfulness. The “Son of Man” in Daniel’s vision is a direct prophecy of Jesus, who came once as foretold and will return on the clouds in glory. This fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises. He is true to His word, having already accomplished what He promised and guaranteeing that He will fulfill the rest in due time. This gives us great hope, especially in challenging times, knowing that God’s plans are sure and trustworthy. For those who trust in Him, this is a source of deep comfort. However, it also serves as a sober warning to those who live in rebellion, as God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Our response should be one of faith, trusting in God’s promises, and living in a way that reflects our confidence in His faithfulness.

Finally, we are reminded of our personal responsibility. As emphasized in Ezekiel 33:10-20, we are accountable for our actions and decisions. Recognizing Jesus as the “Son of Man” calls us to examine our lives, repent where necessary, and live in a way that honors God. This responsibility is not burdensome but a response to the grace and truth that we have received in Christ. It challenges us to live out our faith actively, taking seriously the call to follow Jesus in every area of our lives.

In sum, acknowledging Jesus as the “Son of Man” is more than just an intellectual assent; it is a transformative recognition that should shape how we live, think, and relate to God and others.

The Impossible God

In Ezekiel 37, the prophet is taken to a valley filled with dry bones—symbolic of the hopeless state of Israel in exile. Humanly speaking, these bones are beyond hope, but God commands Ezekiel to prophesy over them, and they come to life, forming a vast army. This powerful vision serves as a reminder that God can bring life to even the most lifeless situations.

Chapters 38-39 speak of a future battle where God will defeat the enemies of His people. Despite the overwhelming odds, God assures victory. The prophecy against Gog shows that no nation, no matter how powerful, can thwart God’s plans. He is sovereign over all nations and history itself.

In Ezekiel 32, the lament over Egypt reminds us that God not only judges but also saves. Egypt, once a mighty power, is brought low because of its sin and arrogance. This judgment serves as a warning, but also as a reminder of God’s righteousness.

As Christians today, we can take comfort in the fact that God is still in the business of doing the impossible. When facing situations that seem dead or hopeless—whether it’s a broken relationship, a lost dream, or a spiritual dryness—God can breathe new life. In a world where global events can seem chaotic and disheartening, believers can rest in the assurance that God is in control. While we may not understand everything that happens, we can trust that God is working all things for His purposes. We can take heart the when it looks to us like everything is “falling apart”, the reality is that it’s all coming together. Finally, we must recognize that while God’s judgment is real, so is His salvation. We should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and turn to God, finding in Him both a just and merciful Saviour.

God is the God of the impossible — the impossible God. He revives what is dead, sovereignly controls the course of history, and offers salvation to those who turn to Him. In our lives, we often face situations that seem insurmountable, but God’s power knows no bounds. Let us trust Him to do what only He can do.

Relentless Pursuit: God’s Unyielding Love for the Lost

In Ezekiel 34, we find a powerful portrayal of God as the Good Shepherd who pursues His lost sheep with relentless love and compassion. The shepherds of Israel had failed miserably, prioritizing their own gain over the well-being of their flock. Yet, even in the face of such leadership failure, God Himself steps in, promising to search for His scattered sheep, rescue them from danger, and bring them back to the safety of His fold.

This passage highlights a profound truth: no matter how far we have strayed, God never gives up on us. He actively seeks out the lost, the broken, and the wandering. His pursuit is not passive; it’s an active, determined effort to bring us back into relationship with Him.

In our lives today, we can easily find ourselves wandering away from God—whether through deliberate choices, gradual neglect, or simply getting lost in the busyness of life. We might think we’re too far gone, that our failures are too great, or that we’ve wandered too far from the fold. But Ezekiel 34 reminds us that God is always on the lookout for us. His love is relentless; He never stops searching until He brings us back to safety.

God’s pursuit is motivated by His deep love for us. He doesn’t seek us out because of what we can offer Him; rather, He pursues us because of who He is—our loving and faithful Shepherd. Just as a shepherd knows the unique needs and vulnerabilities of each sheep, God knows us intimately. He knows our weaknesses, our fears, and our tendencies to wander. And despite all of this, He chooses to love us and bring us back to Himself.

God’s pursuit doesn’t just stop at finding us; He also restores and heals us. Ezekiel 34:16 speaks of God’s promise to bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. When God finds us in our brokenness, He doesn’t leave us there. He heals our wounds, strengthens our weaknesses, and restores us to the fullness of life in Him. This restoration is not just physical or emotional; it’s spiritual. God’s desire is to bring us back into a right relationship with Him, where we can experience the abundant life He has promised.

As recipients of God’s relentless pursuit and restoration, our response should be one of gratitude and surrender. Knowing that God has searched for us, found us, and restored us, we are called to live in a way that reflects His love and grace. We are also called to extend that same love to others, becoming instruments of God’s pursuit in the lives of those around us.

Take a moment to reflect on how God has pursued you in your life. When have you felt lost or distant from Him? How did He bring you back? Consider how you can be more aware of His pursuit in your daily life and how you can be an extension of His love to those who are lost.

Ignoring God’s Warnings? Why Defiance Leads to Disaster

In Jeremiah 44:16-17, the people of Judah blatantly refuse to listen to the prophet’s warnings. They declare their intention to continue worshiping the “Queen of Heaven,” a pagan deity, despite knowing the consequences of their idolatry. This brazen attitude—choosing their own way over God’s commands—is strikingly similar to what we see in modern times. People often reject God’s Word, preferring to follow their desires or the cultural norms that make them feel more comfortable.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 33:21-33, we see another tragic example of misplaced trust. After hearing of Jerusalem’s fall, the people still do not repent. Instead, they continue to seek security in all the wrong places, including aligning themselves with enemies of God. The idea of trying to hide from God’s judgment in the arms of His enemies is tragically laughable, yet it reflects a deep spiritual blindness.

Fast forward to today, and the same attitudes persist. How often do people refuse to accept Biblical truths, choosing instead to live according to their own desires or societal trends? This is evident in countless ways—whether it’s justifying sin, ignoring God’s commands, or reshaping Christianity to fit modern sensibilities. The refusal to listen to God’s Word is as dangerous now as it was then, leading to spiritual ruin.

Moreover, just as the people of Judah sought refuge in the arms of God’s enemies, many today seek comfort or security in places that are directly opposed to God’s will. It might be in harmful relationships, unethical practices, or ideologies that stand in stark contrast to Biblical principles. This attempt to find safety or fulfillment outside of God’s will is as futile and destructive now as it was for the Israelites.

The lessons from Jeremiah and Ezekiel are clear: Rejecting God’s Word and seeking refuge in the wrong places lead only to disaster. The folly of trying to hide from God in the arms of His enemies is a timeless warning. As believers, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to God, listening to His Word and finding our security in Him alone.

It’s Okay to Grieve

In today’s readings from Lamentations 5, Obadiah 1, and Jeremiah 40-41, we’re reminded that even the most faithful servants of God, like Jeremiah, experience deep grief and sorrow. Jeremiah, who had prophesied the eventual restoration and glory of Jerusalem, was still profoundly affected by the immediate devastation and loss that he witnessed.

This leads us to an important understanding: Joy in the Christian life is not synonymous with constant happiness or a cheerful demeanor in all circumstances. Rather, true joy is rooted in the hope we have in God—a hope that endures even through tears and pain.

Lamentations 5 presents a vivid picture of the suffering and despair experienced by the people of Jerusalem after the city’s destruction. Yet, even in this darkest hour, there is a cry to God—a recognition that He is still sovereign and that restoration is possible. This cry is not a denial of the pain but a hopeful acknowledgment of God’s enduring faithfulness.

Jeremiah himself, though a prophet of hope, did not ignore the realities of his present situation. His grief was real, and it was valid. However, his joy was found not in the absence of sorrow but in the assurance that God’s promises would ultimately come to pass.

This distinction is crucial for us today. We may face circumstances that bring deep sorrow, and it’s important to acknowledge and feel that pain. But biblical joy is the strength that allows us to look to God through our tears, trusting that He is at work and that His promises are true. It’s the assurance that even in our darkest moments, God is with us, and He will see us through to the fulfillment of His good purposes.

Perspectives From the Valley

Today, I found myself reflecting on Lamentations 2-4. These chapters are heavy with sorrow, painting a vivid picture of Israel’s suffering. Yet, amid the devastation, one idea struck me: tragedy has a way of bringing into sudden and sharp focus what is truly valuable. It’s ironic, isn’t it? In our darkest moments, when everything seems lost, we begin to see clearly what really matters.

When life is smooth and everything is going our way, it’s easy to get caught up in the trivial. We chase after comfort, success, and fleeting pleasures. But when tragedy strikes—when we hit rock bottom—those things suddenly lose their luster. What we once valued pales in comparison to the deeper truths that emerge from the shadows.

It’s in the valley, surrounded by darkness, that we can truly appreciate the majesty of the peak. The struggles we face strip away our illusions, leaving us with a clearer view of God’s faithfulness, the importance of relationships, and the strength that comes from enduring hardship.

This is the paradox of pain: it refines our perspective, helping us to see what we couldn’t when life was easy. It’s only when we’ve been brought low that we can fully appreciate the heights of God’s love and grace.

So, if you find yourself in a valley, don’t despair. This may be the moment when you finally see what really matters. Let the hardships bring clarity, and trust that God is leading you through the valley to a place where you can better appreciate the beauty of the peak.

Why Your Life Needs to Burn Down… Sometimes

When I read today’s passage, one thought struck me above the others: Israel, now “desolate,” would finally have its “Sabbath Rest.” This isn’t just about a nation lying in ruins—it’s about the spiritual renewal that only comes after the flames of destruction have swept through.

Imagine a forest. For centuries, forest fires were a natural part of its life cycle. The flames would burn away dead wood, making room for new growth. Today, we try to stop any fire from breaking out, thinking we’re protecting the forest. But without those periodic burns, the underbrush grows thick, the dead wood piles up, and eventually, a fire does come—and it’s far more devastating.

Israel’s desolation was like that necessary fire. The nation had accumulated so much spiritual “dead wood”—idolatry, injustice, and disobedience—that God allowed a cleansing fire to sweep through. This wasn’t just judgment; it was a reset, a forced Sabbath rest. In the ashes of what was, God was preparing the ground for what could be—a new beginning, a renewal.

What does this mean for us? Sometimes, God allows parts of our lives to “burn down” so that we can experience true spiritual renewal. We might resist, thinking we’re protecting ourselves, but without these periods of cleansing, the weight of unaddressed sin, unresolved issues, and spiritual complacency only grows. When God strips away what’s unnecessary, He’s making room for new growth—preparing us for something better.

So, if you’re going through a time of desolation, don’t despair. It might be that God is clearing the way for something new. Let the old burn away, and embrace the Sabbath rest He’s offering—a time to reflect, repent, and renew your commitment to Him. After the fire, new life will spring forth.

The Dangerous Mistress of Success

In Ezekiel 28:16, we see the fall of Tyre, a city once renowned for its wealth, beauty, and power. Tyre was a prominent trade center in the ancient world, its merchants known for their success and influence. However, with prosperity came pride, and with pride came corruption. The very success that elevated Tyre to great heights also led to its downfall.

Tyre’s history is marked by a dangerous attachment to wealth and power. As the city’s riches grew, so did its arrogance and sense of invulnerability. They trusted in their trade, their fortified city, and their alliances, believing that their success made them untouchable. But this self-sufficiency blinded them to their moral decay. Ezekiel speaks of how their “abundant trade” filled them with violence, and their heart became proud because of their beauty (Ezekiel 28:16-17).

God’s judgment came upon Tyre not just because of their external actions, but because of the internal corruption that wealth and success had fostered. The very thing they had put their trust in became their undoing. Their success, instead of being a blessing, became a snare.

Today, our culture often defines success in terms of wealth, power, and influence—much like Tyre. But success, when pursued as an end in itself, is a dangerous mistress. It can lead to pride, self-reliance, and a gradual turning away from God. Just as Tyre’s wealth led to its downfall, so too can our pursuit of success, if it causes us to forget who is truly in control.

The lesson from Tyre is clear: success is not inherently bad, but when it becomes our focus and our measure of worth, it can lead us away from God. True success is found in a life that honors God, recognizes His sovereignty, and uses blessings to further His kingdom, not just personal gain.

Rightly Jealous: Understanding God’s Jealousy

Jealousy is bad. Paul tells us so in Galatians 5. So why do we constantly read about God’s “good” jealousy in passages like today’s reading?

See, when we think of jealousy, it’s easy to imagine something negative—a destructive emotion rooted in envy or insecurity. Yet, when we read about God’s jealousy in Scripture, it is framed as pure, righteous, and entirely different from the jealousy that you and I experience.

God’s jealousy is not about envy. He does not covet something that isn’t rightfully His. Rather, His jealousy is about protecting the covenant relationship He has with us. Just as a spouse has the right to expect exclusive devotion and affection, God, who entered into a covenant with His people, rightfully demands our wholehearted love and loyalty.

This divine jealousy is not rooted in insecurity or a desire to control, but in the understanding that turning away from God leads to our own destruction. Just as a spouse would feel righteous jealousy if their partner’s affections were being shared with another, God’s jealousy arises when our hearts are divided and we pursue other “lovers”—whether that be idols, worldly desires, or anything that takes His rightful place in our lives.

On the other hand, human jealousy, when rooted in envy, is about desiring what belongs to someone else, whether it be their possessions, achievements, or relationships. This kind of jealousy is destructive and rooted in selfishness, leading to bitterness and resentment. In contrast, God’s jealousy is protective and stems from His love for us, knowing that only in Him can we find true fulfillment and peace.

Understanding the difference between these forms of jealousy helps us see why God’s jealousy is not only justified but is also an expression of His deep love for us. Just as we would be rightly jealous for the exclusive affection of our spouse, God’s jealousy is a reflection of His covenantal commitment to us, desiring our full and undivided devotion.