Wednesday or Thursday - Ezekiel 6 - Some People Don't Know

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T is evident that since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, humanity has been in the dark. Spiritually, we lost contact with reality. In our quest to be divine (to obtain "the knowledge of good and evil" by way of the forbidden fruit), something even more significant was lost. We lost our relationship with God our Creator. Our fellowship with Him was broken. We became strangers. In the words of the apostle Paul, now "some have not the knowledge of God" (1^st Corinthians 15:34). But God obviously wants to reveal Himself to everyone. And indeed, there is nothing more meaningful or fulfilling than knowing and trusting God (Jeremiah 9:24).

So, here in this chapter, we have this issue introduced and then reiterated repeatedly (Ezekiel 6:7, 10, 13 & 14). In fact, even in Ezekiel 6:9, this purpose of God is presented as paramount. As the Jews were scattered far and wide, they were expected to admit to the heathen that their God was punishing them for their disobedience. So, His name would be popularized in that strange and backhanded way.

Now, Ezekiel's prophecies were spoken in a foreign land to a handful of captives, but the intent of the words applied universally and classically. Even today, we must understand that God's program centers on increasing our awareness of the reality of His glory. The world around us generally sits in ignorance (Ephesians 4:17 & 18). Some have never heard the truth. Some have heard, but do not understand. Still others understand but will not submit. In any case, these people do not know God the way He desires them to know Him. So, it is our privilege to introduce God to them. Through Spirit filled generosity and concern, through holiness and self-sacrifice, through the power and grace of God: we can be a living testament of God's character and personality.