November 5

Ezekiel 12:1-14:11; Hebrews 7:1-17; Psalm 105:37-45; Proverbs 27:3

The history of Israel in Psalm 105 tells the glorious story of how Israel came out of Egypt laden with silver and gold and how they fell heir to what others had toiled for—all so that they might keep the Lord God’s precepts and obey his laws.

But they didn’t.

They rebelled and refused to listen to God and follow His commands.

As we read in Ezekiel, the Israelites have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but they do not hear, for they are a rebellious people (Ez. 12:2). Ezekiel is told by God that he is to act out before the people a ‘drama’ in which each day he brings out his belongings packed for exile and each evening he digs through the wall of Jerusalem illustrating the way that Babylon will capture Jerusalem and take the Israel into exile (vs. 3-6).

Ezekiel also refers to false prophets who prophesy lies and he says they are like flimsy walls that are whitewashed to look as if they are strong (Ez. 13:10-12). The flimsy whitewashed wall cannot hold back anything yet people rely on it.  The purpose of a wall in the ancient world was protection. How could a flimsy wall provide protection?

I thought about the flimsy whitewashed walls that people rely on. I read of a famous politician who said she overcame the dismay and depression of her political defeat in part by yoga! This person was raised in a church and I read in a previous article that she has a Bible and reads it. Yet in crisis she turns to yoga. A flimsy wall. She had the opportunity to turn to the living God who provides real counsel and advice. We would be blessed as a nation if we had read that she turned to God and that He provided her with comfort and direction. I haven’t read her book, but apparently God doesn’t get the credit.

And do we do the same? What do you turn to in times of hurt and crisis? Do you turn to yoga, or food, or Netflix, or new clothes to dull the hurt and help you manage the day? Or do you run to the Lord with your hurt and ask Him for solace and healing? If you are like me, you probably do some of both.

“Lord, I pray that we would not rely on whitewashed walls for our protection and comfort. May we instead turn to you, the loving One, the holy God, the One who cares for us. Thank you that you are a solid wall, unable to be broken or to fall down. Thank you that we are learning that you are a Sovereign God who protects His people and who guides them in ways that are right.”

- Nell Sunukjian

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