September 21, 2022

“Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.” Ezekiel 22:26

There is a recorded pattern throughout Biblical history of God’s people collectively abandoning His truths. Repeatedly, we see God patiently beckoning all who will listen to “come out” of the masses who have gone astray. We are compared to sheep because one straying sheep is too often followed by others. The proven default mode of sinful human nature is to wander away from the faith, swallowed by worldliness, for which they have pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10). Oh beloved, feel the pain in God’s heart!

All too often, the first thing erring people do is exert influence for others to join the rebellion (see Genesis 3:6). While this motive may not be a conscious one, it manifests through a desire for approval; gaining the approval of others is not difficult, especially if the others are not inclined to hold in highest esteem the authority of God’s Word. Be careful whose approval you seek.

In these last days, we are seeing unprecedented apostasy. According to Jesus, it will only get worse before His return. But God is saving people individually, calling out anyone who will listen. Do not be held back from total surrender to Him by the customs and traditions of the world! He is ready to embrace as His own every repentant soul who desires to leave the life of sin. God’s acceptance is the only approval we need.  

Let us resolve this day to use our God-given abilities and resources to reach out to those around us with the acceptance that God is offering through His Son. Our intercessory prayers, words and actions may seem inconsequential, yet we are to act in obedience and trust Him for the end result. In God’s economy and provision, every seed of godly influence has a wonderful potential. Accompany your “plantings” with fervent, humble prayer on behalf of the hearers. In tender mercy, Jesus repeatedly knocks on the door of hearts.

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful. Psalm 116:5

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:7