Year 6, Day 137: Ezekiel 11

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Discipleship Focus: Protection

• Protection: In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray that God might deliver us from evil – even the Evil One.  Sometimes we need God’s protection from the sin around us.  Sometimes we need protection from the sinful people around us.  Other times we need protection from the sin that lies within ourselves. In any case, Jesus’ point is clear.  We need protection from the Father to make it through each and every day.

Ezekiel 11 is a sad chapter.  Here we get the promise of the last few chapters.  The glory of the Lord departs Jerusalem.  The presence of the Lord departs Jerusalem.  No longer will the Lord protect the people.  They have turned their back upon Him; He will walk away from them as well.  They will be judged in their arrogance.

Yet, at the same time this chapter is a chapter of promise.  God doesn’t get rid of all Jews in every place.  No, God simply removes His protection from the Hebrew people in Jerusalem.  The Hebrew people in exile will still Know His protection.  God will be able to bring a remnant out of their captivity.  Those who allowed themselves to be humbled will find a God who loves them and welcomes them and forgives them and protects them.

When we look at this dichotomy, we really see just how much control God puts into our hands.  He wants to love us and protect us.  But He gives us the ability to reject His protection and walk away from Him.  When we do that, He will depart from us and give us the freedom to make that choice.

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