What actions can we take to avoid the consequences described in Ezekiel 5:12? A Snapshot of Divine Warning “‘A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine among you; a third will fall by the sword around you; and a third I will scatter to every wind and pursue with unsheathed sword.’” (Ezekiel 5:12) Why Judgment Fell on Jerusalem • Persistent idolatry (Ezekiel 5:11) • Contempt for God’s statutes and ordinances (Ezekiel 5:6) • Refusal to heed prophetic calls to repent (2 Chronicles 36:15-16) Timeless Principle Disregarding God’s covenant brings certain, escalating judgment (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). The remedy is wholehearted return to Him. Personal Actions to Avert Similar Consequences • Repent promptly – “Return to Me… and I will return to you” (Zechariah 1:3). – “Let the wicked forsake his way… and He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7). • Embrace daily obedience – “Hear the word of the LORD and do it” (James 1:22). – Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16). • Cultivate reverent fear of God – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). – Reverence restrains sin (Proverbs 16:6). • Guard the heart from modern idolatry – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). – Identify and remove anything loved more than God (Matthew 6:24). • Seek ongoing cleansing through Christ – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). – Rest in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 10:12-14). Family-Level Commitments • Establish Scripture as the household’s foundation (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Model righteous living before children (Proverbs 20:7). • Pray together for spiritual vigilance (Colossians 4:2). • Practice biblical correction done in love (Ephesians 6:4). Church-Wide Responsibilities • Preach the whole counsel of God, including warnings (Acts 20:27). • Pursue corporate holiness and discipline (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). • Intercede for national repentance (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Engage culture with truth and grace (Matthew 5:13-16). Living Under the New Covenant Through Christ we enjoy forgiveness, but judgment still begins with God’s household (1 Peter 4:17). Abiding in Him safeguards from wrath (John 15:5-6; Romans 8:1). Encouraging Assurance When God’s people humble themselves and obey, He delights to relent from sending calamity (Jeremiah 18:7-8; 2 Chronicles 7:14). Choosing repentance, reverence, and obedience today spares us tomorrow’s sword, famine, and scattering. |
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