Ezekiel 20:40 NIV
“For on my holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord, there in the land all the people of Israel will serve me, and there I will accept them. There I will require your offerings and your choice gifts, along with all your holy sacrifices.”
God chose the nation of Israel to worship Him, glorify Him, and fulfil a specific purpose. But time and again, they chose to rebel. The Bible is a consolidated story of this relationship of love and rebellion between God and His covenant people. Yet, one theme is recurrent in this entire storyline – God’s redemptive love despite His people’s unfaithfulness.
The Bible reminds us that God is not to be mocked (Galatians 6:7), His glory He will not give to another (Isaiah 42:8), and He is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). God’s sovereignty is not to be disregarded. He is tender and loving, but also a fierce God.
Choosing to rebel against God is a personal decision with consequences. However, when we surrender to His will, He works things out for the best. Despite Israel’s rebellion, God’s purpose through them will be fulfilled—not because He forces His way, but because He knows the end from the beginning. His plans do not need backups because all creation ultimately serves His glory. And He does not share His glory with another.
God has done mighty works and displayed His glory throughout history. When it comes to saving His children, He will go to any extent, even to death on the cross. When we talk to God, we have to keep in mind that we are not only talking to our heavenly Father, but we are also talking to the Creator of the universe! Our familiarity with God should never breed contempt, at any point.
As we walk with such a sovereign and majestic God, let us choose to honor Him and give Him the respect that’s due!
