"Then you will know that I am the LORD." Ezekiel 25:5
"Then" moments.
I underlined that phrase, or one almost identical to it, nine times in my reading this morning. Each time it followed a list of horrific consequences for sin. Punishment for choices made as the people wandered down paths, abandoning God.
Unable to see their own godlessness, the Lord needed to get their attention. Repeated disobedience had toughened their skin making them callus to the gentle nudge of His Spirit inviting them to repent and return. Forgiveness was not sought, received or appreciated, but taken for granted. God's grace was expected to be extended, so sin continued to abound. Pride and arrogance were a double blindfold over each mind, keeping those straying from understanding and seeing the error of their ways. There was no reverent fear of the Lord. They were serving the almighty. Self-almighty.
We no doubt all know someone walking a destructive path. Convinced completely that the road they are on is right, yet it is so contrary to God's Word. They have fooled themselves into believing they have a relationship with God and are even erroneously crediting Him for opening doors that He would never open. In fact, He would place a huge barricade before them, warning them that choosing these ways are sin and leading to death. They are living lives completely forsaking God and His Word and pursing dishonest gain, lust, adultery, materialism, manipulation, blackmail and lies, all while claiming God is directing them. It greatly worries me.
In the graphic illustration God gives Ezekiel in chapter twenty-three, even when given opportunity to see and turn from their ways, they ignore lessons that could change the trajectory of their lives and continue to "follow right in the footsteps" of evil (see Ezekiel 23:11).
Consider the ways the Lord tried to get the people's attention in Ezekiel. Children killed. Loneliness. Abandonment. Loss of livelihood. Judgment. Destruction. Removal of strength and power. War. Famine. Disease. It frightens me to think how the Lord will get a hold of the hearts of these dear ones and bring them back so that they again will recognize that He is LORD. At the same time, it scares me even more that Satan has them so bound that they continue to turn a deaf ear to God's warnings.
I would love to pray that God would bring a quiet "then" moment into their life. A gentle awakening to the depth of His love and the power of the cross. A sudden awareness and revelation that what they call "happiness" God calls sin. Yet, there are consequences for blatantly defying the Lord.
Dan Dean, in song lyrics recorded by Phillips, Craig and Dean, expressed how God's mercy extends beyond our worse mistakes, and His love will run farther than we can run away. The Lord's hand will keep reaching to bring the lost home. Gospel recording artist Mandisa also sang a song written by Ronnie C. Jr. Freeman, conveying that we do not know how God will try to get our focus on Him, "but He'll do and He'll use whatever He wants to, to tell us I love you."
Do you see God's primary message? It is not "you're wrong", or "you've sinned". It is always, "I love you." Father, bring these deceived souls to a place of brokenness. Move in their lives in such a way that they will know that You are the LORD and that they are dearly loved.