‘Then they will know that I am their Lord’ (Ezekiel 28:26)

One of the clearest ways that we know that God is Lord is when we feel the consequence of his judgement. We are in common company here. Time and time again throughout the Old Testament, both Israel (God’s people) and the foreign nations felt the wrath of God as a consequence of his judgment – and in it realized that the God of Israel was in indeed Lord.

The first 24 chapters of Ezekiel have been about Israel – they sinned and constantly rejected God to the point where they replaced him for man-made and depraved idols. God judged and in his judgement they remembered that he was sovereign and Lord over all.

From Chapter 25 through to 32 of Ezekiel it is the other nations who are judged. They may not have recognized God or given him a second thought, but that ignorance did not excuse them and they too found themselves on the receiving end of God’s judgement.

Two different groups – Israel who should have known better and the other nations who should have known!

Is there any other way to know that God is sovereign and Lord other than through his judgement?

Thankfully Yes! There are at least two ways.

1. Look around!

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities– his eternal power and divine nature– have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

When you look at the world that God has created and given and the blessings which we enjoy – we are without excuse – the creation points to God. This is often called General Revelation (because God reveals himself generally in the world).

2. Look to Jesus!

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:10-14)

When you look at Jesus as revealed in the Word of God you see God. In fact the clearest demonstration of God himself is in Jesus. This is often called Special Revelation (because it is only through Jesus that God reveals his salvation to all who believe – c.f. John 1:10-12)

So there you go: the best way, an obvious way, and a difficult way know God.

• The best way – through Jesus.
• An obvious way – by looking at the world God has given
• A difficult way – in experiencing the judgement of God

As we will all come to know that the Lord is sovereign, why not do that the best way by getting to know him through his son?

And if you already know him (which I expect many who read this update do), then think about how you might help those around you to know him as well. They will meet him when he judges them, but we might be able to introduce them before that!

Ideas:

• Ask them what they think of Jesus
• Give them a book about Jesus (and offer to read or discuss it together)
• Invite them to Church
• Invite them out with Church friends – and talk about gospel things.
• Pray for them
• Hang them off a cliff until they repent (just checking to see who is reading this!!)