timing

Ezekiel 2 and Psalm 38

Ezekiel 2 is a relatively short chapter. My first read through it seemed a bit vanilla until I took a look at D. A. Carson’s For the Love of God Volume 2:

…success is not measured by how many people Ezekiel wins to his perspective, but by the faithfulness with which he declares God’s words. 1

How often do I approach my life with a goal of being faithful no matter what the outcome is. I realized yesterday that there are areas in my life where I need to make changes with regard to this principle. Ezekiel 2:7 says:

… you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear …

Psalm 38 seems to be a song of mourning for the psalmist’s sins. It echoes a repentant heart and pleas for God’s mercy and forgiveness as well as protection from the author’s enemies. Ps. 38:9-10 recognizes that God is not unaware of my grief and sorrow. Ps. 38:15 reminds me of yesterday’s reading where the psalmist reiterates the need for patience in the life of a believer as he/she waits for God to heal and rescue. But in spite of the recognition of the need for patience, the psalmist still cries out to God for relief and immediate intervention in Ps. 38:21-22.

That is how I feel this morning. I want to wait patiently for The Lord, but my heart longs for His intervention and rescue. I believe that is a very human perspective to God’s work in my life.

1 Carson, D. A. For the Love of God: a Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God’s Word. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1998. Print.

Jeremiah 52 and Psalm 31

Jeremiah 52 appears to me to be a sort of appendix to the book of Jeremiah. It is a recounting of the final fall of Jerusalem – a second recounting of 2 Kings 25. Some interesting notes for me are:

  1. The account of the capture of Zedekiah and his humiliation by Nebuchadnezzar
  2. The absence of the record of how Jeremiah was protected by the captain Nebuzaradan.
  3. The treatment of Jehoiachin later on.

This chapter marks the end of the book of Jeremiah. This is the first time I have read through Jeremiah and both enjoyed and understood its context. I have previously not enjoyed my time reading Jeremiah and now I believe I am more prepare to understand it even better the next time I read through it.

Psalm 31:1-5 repeats a recurring theme of refuge and rescue. During these days, these words speak to my heart and remind me of the security I have in Christ. There is no other place of refuge other than the hand of God.

Ps. 31:6 – the psalmist says he hates those who pay regard to worthless idols. I believe it can be easy for us today to succumb to the trap of paying regard to worthless idols like wealth, possessions, pleasure, and narcism. This behavior is a great sin against God and robs Him of the glory He deserves.

Ps. 31:9-10 is a confession of the helpless position we are in apart from the mercy and grace of God.

Ps. 31-11-13 – the psalmist tells us of the contemptible situation he is in. No one understands his plight and his only choice is to turn to God for help (Ps. 31:14-15).

Ps. 31:24 is an encouragement to me because it reminds me that God’s timetable is different from mine. I want resolution now but God’s timing is sovereign. He will deliver when He is ready and His timing is perfect – always! My responsible is to be strong and take courage. The best way for me to do that is to remember His love and His grace in past blessings.