the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Our Daily Homily - Volume 3
Ezekiel 20:32—We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone. (R.V.)
There was a tendency among the chosen people to reason thus: Why should we be perpetually reminded of the claims of Jehovah? Why should we not do as we please? Why not do as other nations around, who select their own deities, and do not seem to suffer as we do? Nay, said the Most High, that cannot be. When once I have entered into covenant relations with any, they cannot lightly cast off those sacred bonds. My name and character are too deeply implicated. I must work for my holy Name’s sake, that it may not be polluted (Ezekiel 20:9; Ezekiel 20:14; Ezekiel 20:22).
It is a very solemn thing to have become God’s children. Sin is not the same in us as in others. In those it may be slightly passed over, but in us it will be visited with many stripes. We cannot sin with impunity, nor do as we list. As far as we go into sin, we shall have to come out of it. The more pleasure we may have had in forbidden paths, the more sharp the anguish through which we shall have to retrace our steps. We cannot be as the nations. We cannot serve wood and stone. We cannot go our own way.
But the thought cuts in two directions; if we are bound to God, He is also bound to us. We may not leave Him, but He Cannot leave us! He will always be mindful of his covenant. There is one plea with God that never fails: "Do it for thy great Name’s sake." He cannot deny Himself, or allow his honor to be trampled in the mud.
"Yes—howsoe’er I stray and range,
Whate’er I do, Thou dost not change;
I steadier step, when I recall
That, if I slip, Thou dost not fall."
