I’ve God Bad News and Good News.

“Destruction! Destruction! I will surely destroy the kingdom. And it will not be restored until the one appears who has the right to judge it. Then I will hand it over to him.” – Ezekiel 21:27 NLT

It is hard to argue that the book of Ezekiel is filled with a lot of bad news. Over and over again the prophet delivers messages from God regarding the sins of the people and the coming destruction. But occasionally God gives a glimpse of future hope. He let’s them in on the secret that there is good news ahead. There is a brighter future on the horizon. He will not remain angry forever. He will not destroy completely. He will keep His covenant promise. In verse 27 we get a glimmer of light in the midst of all the darkness and gloom. Yes, destruction is coming. God is going to destroy the kingdom of Judah. And it will remain in a state of destruction and devastation for many years. But there is a day coming when He will restore the nation of Judah and the people of God. With the death of Zedekiah, the reign of the kings of Judah comes to an end. There would be no more kings sitting on the throne of David. Even now, there is no king in Israel. But God is not done. His plan is not complete. God tells Ezekiel that there is a day coming when He will turn over the kingdom to one “who has the right to judge it” (Ezekiel 21:27b NLT).

We are told of this coming king in Isaiah 9:6-7. “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor,d Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” The prophet Jeremiah was told about this coming king as well. “‘For the time is coming,’ says the Lord, ‘when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. And this will be his name: “The Lord Is Our Righteousness.” In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety.'” (Jeremiah 23:5-6 NLT).

The bad news came with some very good news. God has a plan for His people. He is not done with Israel – even now. They are a nation, but they do not have a king. They have no Temple. They have no sacrificial system. They have no priesthood. But there is a day coming when God will provide for them a ruler who will serve as their priest and king. He will rule and reign in righteousness. He will reestablish the throne of David and rule in Jerusalem with total power and in complete righteousness. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Messiah, Jesus the Son of God.

Father, You are far from done. Your work is not yet complete. Your plan is not finished. Keep us focused on the good news of Your sovereign plan. It is easy to look at all that is going wrong in the world and lose hope. But You are in total control and Your plan is unstoppable and totally reliable. Amen

Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org