In what ways can we avoid the fate described in Ezekiel 32:27? The grim picture of Ezekiel 32:27 “They do not lie with the fallen warriors of old, who went down to Sheol with their weapons of war — their swords placed under their heads and their shields resting on their bones — although these heroes had terrified the land of the living.” What went wrong for the “heroes” • Trusted human strength and military glory rather than God (Psalm 20:7) • Terrified others instead of fearing the LORD (Proverbs 1:7) • Died unrepentant, entering Sheol with no hope of resurrection to life (Hebrews 9:27) Steps that keep us from their destiny 1. Run to the only Savior, not to self-reliance • “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31) • “If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’…you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-10) 2. Trade earthly weapons for spiritual armor • Matthew 26:52 — “All who draw the sword will die by the sword.” • Ephesians 6:10-17 — “Take up the full armor of God.” • 2 Corinthians 10:4 — “Our weapons…have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 3. Walk in humble obedience instead of arrogant power • Micah 6:8 — “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” • James 4:6 — “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Nebuchadnezzar’s lesson in Daniel 4 proves humility prevents downfall. 4. Practice repentance as a lifestyle • Acts 3:19 — “Repent…that times of refreshing may come.” • 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” 5. Fear God more than people • Matthew 10:28 — “Fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” • Proverbs 14:26-27 — “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life.” 6. Invest in eternal honor, not temporary fame • Matthew 6:19-21 — “Store up treasures in heaven.” • 1 Peter 1:4 — “An inheritance incorruptible…kept in heaven for you.” 7. Pursue peace instead of terrorizing others • Romans 12:18 — “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” • Isaiah 2:4 — “They will beat their swords into plowshares.” The promised end for the faithful • John 5:24 — “Whoever hears My word and believes…has crossed over from death to life.” • Revelation 20:6 — “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them.” Avoiding the fate of Ezekiel 32:27 is neither complicated nor casual; it is a wholehearted turning to Christ, clothing ourselves with His righteousness, and living in humble, obedient reverence every day. |
    |