How can we prepare for God's judgment as described in Ezekiel 20:35? Setting the Scene Ezekiel’s message comes to exiles in Babylon who had relied on their heritage instead of their holiness. God promises to gather them, but He will not ignore their compromise. Ezekiel 20:35 “I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face.” Why the “Wilderness of the Peoples” Matters • Face-to-face reckoning — no hiding behind tradition or crowd (Hebrews 4:13). • Separation from distractions — a spiritual quarantine that exposes idols (Hosea 2:14). • Pathway to restoration — God disciplines so He can renew (Hebrews 12:10-11). Four Ways to Prepare for God’s Judgment 1. Root yourself in God’s Word • Let Scripture search you: “For the word of God is living and active… judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) • Daily reading and honest self-examination keep the heart tender. 2. Embrace wholehearted repentance • Ezekiel’s generation clung to idols; we abandon every rival love. • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” (1 John 1:9) • Repentance is not a moment but a lifestyle of turning and trusting. 3. Surrender hidden idols • Success, comfort, reputation—anything can become an idol (Colossians 3:5). • Ask God to reveal what competes for first place (Psalm 139:23-24). • Destroy, don’t manage, competing allegiances. 4. Walk in obedient faith • Judgment separates hearers from doers (James 1:22). • Obedience demonstrates love for the Shepherd: “My sheep listen to My voice… and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) • One step at a time in the same direction builds a life ready to stand before Him. Living the Lesson Today The wilderness is not just ancient history; it is any season where God strips away props so we meet Him personally. By anchoring ourselves in His Word, practicing ongoing repentance, smashing modern idols, and choosing daily obedience, we welcome His refining work now and stand prepared for the face-to-face judgment Ezekiel foretold. |
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