How can we apply Ezekiel 7:26 to discernment in our spiritual lives? Setting the Context Ezekiel proclaimed God’s impending judgment on Judah for persistent rebellion. Chapter 7 crescendos with the certainty of calamity; the nation’s trusted religious and civic voices will fall silent under divine wrath. Verse Spotlight “Disaster after disaster will come, and rumor upon rumor. They will seek a vision from a prophet, but the law will be lost to the priest and counsel to the elders.” (Ezekiel 7:26) Key Observations • “Disaster after disaster” shows relentless judgment—no reprieve once God’s warnings are ignored. • “Rumor upon rumor” hints at confusion and fear; truth becomes hard to find. • People still “seek a vision,” but God removes authentic revelation. • Priests lose “the law” and elders lose “counsel,” exposing spiritual bankruptcy at every level. Principles for Discernment • A hardened heart eventually forfeits clear guidance. Persistent sin dulls spiritual perception (Hebrews 3:13). • God’s Word, not popular voices, is the stable source of truth (Psalm 119:89). • Discernment depends on hearing servants who themselves submit to Scripture; when leaders drift, their guidance collapses (Jeremiah 23:16). • Crisis reveals whether we have stored up Scripture or merely relied on second-hand spirituality (Matthew 7:24-27). Practical Steps Today 1. Seek direct, daily intake of Scripture before seeking opinions. 2. Measure every teaching and “prophetic” word by the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). 3. Guard against rumor—verify with the Bible rather than social media or gossip. 4. Pray for leaders but never substitute their voice for God’s written Word. 5. Repent quickly when conviction comes; ongoing sin clouds judgment and invites deception. 6. Cultivate a community that elevates Scripture so counsel remains sound even in upheaval. 7. Keep an eternal perspective; God’s judgments are righteous and aim to draw hearts back to Him (Romans 2:4). Supporting Scriptures • Isaiah 8:20 — “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” • Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint.” • 2 Timothy 4:3-4 — the danger of itching ears rejecting sound doctrine. • James 1:22-25 — blessing comes to doers who gaze into the perfect law. Closing Encouragement Ezekiel 7:26 warns that discernment evaporates when God’s Word is sidelined. By treasuring Scripture, testing every voice, and keeping short accounts with sin, we remain anchored in truth even when the world spirals into rumor and chaos. |
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