Daily Encouragementنموونە

This word comes out of Ezekiel’s vision in which “the guards of the city” of Jerusalem slay the idolaters but save “those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it” (verse 4).

When God deals with sin he begins with his people. If we are concerned for the evil in the world, we must begin with the sin in the Church: “For it is time for judgement to begin with the family of God” (1 Pet. 4:17). It will be a revived Church, which will affect the world. “Bend the Church and reach the people” was the watchword of the Welsh Revival. “So they began with the elders . . . ” (Ez. 9:6). None were more influential, none were more needy.

The hope for revival lies with the remnant of the faithful. All is not lost if there are still those who bear the mark of grieving over all the detestable things that are done in the city of God. There is still hope, even if the temple courts have become “a den of thieves,“ provided that there are some Simeons and Annas within.

“Begin at my sanctuary." A word of judgement indeed, but also a word of encouragement to align ourselves with the faithful remnant and to seek the face of God.