Protection and Peace

“Thus says the Lord GOD: “When I have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and am hallowed in them in the sight of the Gentiles, then they will dwell in their own land which I gave to my servant Jacob. And they will dwell safely there, build houses, and plant vineyards; yes, they will dwell securely, when I execute judgments on all those around them who despise them. Then they shall know that I am the LORD their God.” –Ezekiel 28:25-26

This portion of verses falls right in the middle of a number of chapters that focus on God’s judgment of the wicked nations. The location of these verses demonstrates what they are saying. Israel shall be gathered together in their own land and they shall exalt the Lord in their midst. Then, they shall safely dwell while the Lord executes judgment on all the nations around them. 

In the Christian life we often feel like this. We look around and see horrible things all around us. Sometimes we even see horrible things in our own lives. Yet, for the believer, there is incredible peace because safety and security does not lie in our circumstances or our ability to keep the events of life stable. Our safety and security lies in the hands of our Savior, our Creator, our God. He holds all things together. He keeps those in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him.

This section of verses ends with this often repeated phrase in Ezekiel: “Then they shall know that I am the LORD their God.” The trials of life and the judgments of the Lord should point us to Him. They should be a reminder to us that He is God and we are not. They should encourage believers in that their faith is in the one true God, the Lord of glory, the Redeemer.

One Thing the Lord Delights In

“Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD.” -Jeremiah 9:23-24

Scripture teaches that there is no one who seeks after God and that there is no one that even measures up to His holy standard (Romans 3). Since this is true, no man has anything to boast about. No one has done anything of merit. No one is born with any inherent value. No one knows or understands any wisdom of real value. No one has any reason to boast or glory in himself.

The Lord says something significant here in Jeremiah 9. The Lord delights in those that know and understand who He is. The Lord delights in those that know and understand His mercy, His judgment, and His righteousness. Think about it—the Lord delights in this sort of people. Sinful people.

Jesus shared a similar thought in John 17:3 – “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Eternal life is in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul demonstrates this for us in Philippians 3:10 – “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…”

There is one thing of value to pursue. There is one thing that the Lord delights in—knowing Him. Reader, pursue this one thing with all that you are. Put all your effort into it. Know Him. Seek to understand the character of God. Seek to know Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. See how it transforms your life completely.