LIVE!

Read: Ezekiel 16:1-14

Meditation verse:
“And when I passed by you and saw you struggling in your own blood, I said to you in your blood, ‘LIVE!’ yes, I said to you in your blood, ‘LIVE!’
 
Today’s reading is an allegory of God’s love for Jerusalem. It begins with a description of a baby found lying in an open field, covered with blood, bruised, unwashed, struggling to survive with the umbilical cord still intact. The passage goes on to liken this image to the state in which Jerusalem was before God entered a covenant with her. Jerusalem was a mess and in their pitiable state, the first thing God did was to speak forth the word; ‘LIVE’. 
 
Then He began His work of restoration in Jerusalem. “I made you thrive like a plant in the field; and you grew, matured, and became very beautiful. Your breasts were formed, your hair grew, but you were naked and bare. When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love; so, I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered a covenant with you, and you became Mine,” says the Lord God. Then I washed you in water; yes, I thoroughly washed off your blood, and I anointed you with oil. I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of badger skin; I clothed you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your wrists, and a chain on your neck. And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus, you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate pastry of fine flour, honey, and oil. You were exceedingly beautiful and succeeded to royalty”.  (Ezekiel 16:7-13). 
 
If you are currently in a mess, God can do the same for you. Whether you are going through a divorce or abuse in your marriage, whether you have just buried a child or lost a spouse, whether you have just been fired from your job or your business is struggling, whatever feels overwhelming right now, God says, “LIVE!”. Amid the trauma, trails, pain, tears, shame, lack, abuse, rape, addictions, and guilt, He is saying to you, “LIVE! MY CHILD LIVE!”. Whoever you are, whatever your circumstances are, LIVE! Do not give up, do not throw in the towel, do not cast away your confidence. Keep trusting, keep believing, keep going. As you do, God will begin a work of renewal in your life as He did with Jerusalem several years ago. He is the unchanging God. He never fails. 

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.