Ezekiel 20:7 And I said to them, “Each of you, get rid of the vile images you have set your eyes on, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
The expression “for my good and His glory” keeps running through my mind as I read today’s chapter. Interestingly, I thought that idea came straight from scripture, and while I found lots of verses about God’s glory, I didn’t find one that contained this specific combination of God acting for my good AND His glory.
Ezekiel 20:9 But for the sake of my name, I brought them out of Egypt. I did it to keep my name from being profaned in the eyes of the nations among whom they lived and in whose sight I had revealed myself to the Israelites.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” and Romans 11:36 “For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen” are the two closest scriptures I could find. And yet, everything God does for His glory benefits me for my good. Not destroying me for my sins so that His name may be glorified is absolutely to my benefit, even when He rightfully gets the glory. For this compassion, I am eternally grateful.
Ezekiel 20:14 But for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.
Lord, Thank You that the words “for my good and Your glory” are intertwined in my mind and my study of scripture. Everything You do brings me closer to You, which is absolutely for my good. May Your name be glorified always, Lord. Amen.
Ezekiel 20:22 But I withheld my hand, and for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.
Have a blessed day.