All Publications by The Clay And Its Potter

In the previous chapter, Paul declares that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ: Yet in chapter 9, out of love for his brethren, Paul expresses a willingness to be accursed and cut off from Christ for their sake: As God’s chosen people, the Israelites had received great privileges: However, in their pride, many Israelites rejected and despised God’s calling. But their rejection does not mean that the word of God has failed. Not all who are descended from Israel are truly Israel. Rather, it is those whom God has elected who are His children. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s sovereign election: how Isaac was chosen instead of Ishmael (Galatians 4:22–23; Romans 9:7–9), how Jacob was called instead of Esau, the firstborn, and ultimately how God calls not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles. Some of us today may wonder: How then can we become His people and receive His mercy? Let us remember that God delights in our obedience to Him. The Bible reveals His commandments clearly: to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), to partake in His Holy Communion (John 6:53–58), to keep the Sabbath holy (Isaiah 58:13–14), and to keep all His commandments. This list is by no means exhaustive—other important teachings include receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 8:17) and the practice of footwashing (John 13:14–15), among others. As we grow in faith, we must continue seeking His will through Scripture and be diligent in observing all that He commands. Furthermore, having become part of His people, let us remain vigilant and humble, lest we fall:

Wicked rulers bring suffering and injustice

A reminder of the importance of cherishing the words of God to sustain our spiritual life.

After entering the temple, the glory of God was recorded to have filled the temple (v4). God let Ezekiel witness the majestic view of the glory of God filling the temple. Subsequently, God commanded Ezekiel to carefully note down all of His laws and ordinances. These laws governed various aspects of God’s sanctuary, including who shall enter it and how the priests should minister their duties there. These laws are important because there must be separation between the unholy and holy. As the glory of God which is holy has filled in the temple, nothing unholy should come near it, lest they will defile the sanctuary. Another group of people who are not allowed to come near His Holy Place are the Levites who are unfaithful. These were the Levites who strayed away from God after their idols (v10). For their unfaithfulness, God counted them to be unworthy to continue ministering to Him as priest. Instead, they shall bear their shame. Whereas for the priests from Zadok’s lineage, God gave the honor to enter His sanctuary to minister to Him. Even more, God is their possession and meaning that all of the Israelites’ offerings would be theirs. For their faithfulness, God will continue to bestow upon them the responsibilities to play the roles of a teacher, judge and most importantly priest in His sanctuary. Reflecting on this, are we holy and faithful towards God that we are able to serve Him? May God guide us to be able to keep His laws and keep our holiness as God is holy (Lev 11:44a).

“I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?” — Ezekiel 33:11 From the verse above, we can sense both God's love and His frustration towards His people. God does not wish for His people to perish; therefore, He appointed Ezekiel as a watchman for the house of Israel, to warn the wicked to turn from their ways. From other earlier chapters, we read that one’s salvation depends on personal righteousness and faithfulness toward God. Even if surrounded by righteous individuals, one will not be saved unless they turn away from their wickedness (Ezekiel 14:14). However, the earlier part of Ezekiel 33 also reminds us that the watchman will be held accountable if he fails to warn others about impending judgment. Today, we also have a message to share with others: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” — Mark 1:15 As watchmen in our present time, are we mindful of our duties? Are we aware of the serious consequences of not sounding the alarm, despite knowing what will happen to the wicked if they do not repent? Let us not fear the rejection of others, but instead, let us truly fear the judgment that God will bring upon those who do not repent.

Mathhew 26 records Jesus’ last moments on the earth. As time was running out, we could see how different people used this chance. Firstly, we read about the group of betrayers who were plotting on how to kill Jesus (v3-5, 14). This group also includes Judas who did not take his chance to repent, even when Jesus had already acknowledged that it was Judas who was going to betray Him (v25). Next, we read about Mary who used the alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil to annoint Jesus’ head. Despite the disciples’ criticisms towards her, she actually received commendations from the Lord Jesus Christ for taking her chance to pour the fragrant oil on His body, for His burial (v12). Furthermore, as we read this chapter, we can testify how her good work is indeed told as a memorial wherever the gospel is preached (v13). Lastly, we also read about how the disciples fled when Jesus was captured. This included Peter who then wept bitterly when he realized how he had denied Jesus. Earlier on, Peter confidently claimed that “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble” (v33). However, in his weaknesses, Peter failed to showcase his faith during Jesus’ last moment on earth. How about us today? As the signs of the end times are becoming more and more obvious, how have we been using our time? Let us be prudent and not be caught off guard.