What other scriptures warn against ignoring God's presence and justice? Ezekiel 9:9—A Startling Claim “Then He said to me, ‘The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great, and the land is full of bloodshed, and the city full of perversity. For they say, “The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.”’ ” Key Idea Israel’s leaders believed God had turned away and would not act. Scripture consistently exposes that lie and warns of the consequences. Parallel Warnings in the Old Testament “They say, ‘The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.’ … He who formed the eye, does He not see? … He repays a man according to his deeds.” “He says to himself, ‘God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see.’ … You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief.” “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.” “Is not God as high as the heavens? … You say, ‘What does God know? Can He judge through thick darkness?’” “Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, whose deeds are done in the dark, and who say, ‘Who sees us?’” “My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from Me, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes.” “‘Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the LORD, ‘and not a God far away? … Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?’” “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; You cannot tolerate wrongdoing.” Prophetic Echoes of Certain Judgment “Though they dig to Sheol, My hand will take them; though they climb to heaven, I will bring them down.” “At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men who are complacent, who say in their hearts, ‘The LORD will do no good, nor will He do any harm.’” “‘I will come to put you on trial. … I the LORD do not change.’” Psalms of Divine Presence and Accountability “Where can I go from Your Spirit? … Even the darkness is not dark to You.” “The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, His gaze examines mankind.” New Testament Reinforcement “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth.” “You are storing up wrath against yourself … God ‘will repay each one according to his deeds.’” “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. … The one who sows to please the flesh will reap destruction.” “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight, but everything is uncovered and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” “In the last days scoffers will come, … saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’ … The day of the Lord will come like a thief.” “All the churches will know that I am He who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.” Summary Truths to Take to Heart • God sees everything; nothing escapes His notice. • Assuming God’s absence invites His judgment. • His justice is certain—delayed perhaps, but never denied. • Remembering His constant presence fosters reverent obedience and joyful fidelity. |
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