Why are destructions in life necessary?
Why does it feel like destructions are delayed?
Why do we have to go through destructions?
Read today's reflection on Ezekiel 20-21.
The God Who Holds Back
While the Bible is clear that God is just, Ezekiel 20 clearly shows how He is a God who knows how to delay the expression of His anger. There were multiple times that Israel disobeyed. In each generation that did not regard His care, His fury was roused. However, He sometimes withdraw the punishment. He delays. Perhaps that is what love is -holding back the worst while hoping for a change in the person. He is still fair. The iron fist does not turn into cotton. God just gives chances.
The God Who Allows
Though He holds back whenever He finds it right to do so, a time will come when the accumulated punishment will have its fruition for release. Ezekiel 21 calls it as the final day of reckoning. Destruction. Judgment will be passed. There will be blows of anger. This can be for both His children and those who do not belong to Him. He intends devastation for His enemies for the end of their rule. He allows reckoning for His children for discipline.
The God Who Purges
At times, it takes pain to purify, to cleanse, to restore what sin has tainted. When God allowed Israel to be exiled, He did not leave them to fend for themselves. It was an act of salvation. It was to let them see who He was away from the currents of a comfortable setting. After the agonizing process of purification comes a pleasing sacrifice: holy and acceptable.
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