Why We, Like the Israelites, Need to Be Reminded of Who God Is

The book of Ezekiel is about the redemption and the bringing back of the people to the promised land. However, before all of the happy times came, the Lord had to deal with their sins and waywardness. Like a good parent, He had to teach them in the struggle. This phrase, “Then they will know that I am the LORD” shows up after God reveals that He is going to send plagues, famines, battle, and destruction, and through His justice they will know He is the Lord. It also appears when he shares positive news, such as, He will bring a remnant back to the promised land and make a covenant of peace, and free them from their captivity and they will know He is God.

This is significant to us as believers in Jesus today because we get to know that He is God. Whether we are encountering a difficulty or we are overcome with happiness, we are called to remember that He is God. We are invited to reflect on this truth because we have been bought at a high price. We too have made idols out of things and people who should not take the place of God in our hearts. However, we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. In yet, our covenant is the New Covenant of Christ. We have the hope of eternity and forgiveness because of Jesus.

What idols are you constantly running to? Comfort, people, things, shopping, food, etc? There are so many ways that the enemy likes to steer our hearts away from God. The truth is that the Israelite people wavered a lot in their loyalty to the Lord, however He never broke His covenant of love to them. He was always faithful, even when they were not. We too sin and disobey God. We go our own ways and worship idols that we create. However, Jesus’ covenant stands forever. Just like God provided a remnant of Israelites, we are the living remnant of those who have been redeemed and re-welcomed into the presence of a holy God. This is not by anything that we have done, but by His great mercy.

The Israelites chased other things, they tried to fit in with the world, they sought after temporary pleasures. We can be reminded by them that if we intentionally forget who God is, that He will remind us so that we will know He is God. May we be humble to admit as soon as we are able that we have sinned and we are in need of the mercy and forgiveness of God. When we see the greatness of the Lord, we can be in wonder and awe of who He is. When we sense His closeness and love, we can be reminded of this. When we receive correction, we can remember who He is. Today, let’s reflect on the fact that He is the Lord.

More from this author
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Why Is the Bible So Adamant about Helping the Poor?
Why Is Genesis 1:1 So Significant in Our Understanding of God?

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Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.