November 6

Today's Reading

Ezekiel was reminded that even three most righteous men couldn't stop the judgment coming upon Jerusalem. We read today about just how detestable Jerusalem's sins were to the Bridegroom who loved her. By the way, the New Testament picks up this imagery with Christ identified as the Bridegroom. Now, though, the bride is more clearly seen as those who have received a new heart through the cleansing of Christ's blood and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews: we have a Priest. His name is Jesus! 1 Timothy 2 told us that "there is one Mediator between God and man...Christ Jesus." How do we get to God? Through Jesus. Not through another person or through a saint. We come to God through Jesus because He pid the full price of our sins on the cross.

Psalms: this picture of Israel being saved through the water of the Red Sea reminds me of something one of our Dominican teams observed. They were there on an Easter Sunday and a number of the mission churches gathered at the main church for services and baptism. They baptized about 40 people that morning. When one lady was baptized, her body went rigid and our team was concerned she was having a seizure. A few of the mission pastors gathered around her and prayed for her; she was immediately okay. When a team member asked one of the leaders what had happened, he replied, "Whatever was in her couldn't stand whatever was in the water." In other words, they interpreted it (probably correctly) as demonic. They dealt with it and went on. She was delivered through the water. The one tormenting her was destroyed in the water. Sometimes the truth is simpler than big theological arguments.

Proverbs: wounds and rebuke hurt. But they are a huge benefit to those who will learn from them. May God keep my heart open to correction.

What speaks to you today?