The top question about God when I was in high school: How can we know God’s will? How do you know what a person’s plan is? Simple: He tells you. What if he did not? If you know him well enough, you might have a clue.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel wrote about knowing God. God called Ezekiel to speak His words to rebellious Israelites (Eze 2:3-4). Ezekiel is God’s messenger and watchman to warn them of His judgement for their disobedience (3:16-21). In chapters 11-13, “Then you will know that I am the Lord” are recorded 8 times. Under what circumstances did God say ‘THEN’ you will KNOW?
1) When He executes judgment… when consequences of our sins come upon us, we will know that He is the Lord. Ezekiel 11:10-12 You will fall by the sword, and I will execute judgment on you at the borders of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord. This city will not be a pot for you, nor will you be the meat in it; I will execute judgment on you at the borders of Israel. And you will know that I am the Lord, for you have not followed my decrees or kept my laws but have conformed to the standards of the nations around you.”
2) When He enables us to obey him: He gives us an undivided heart and a new spirit; a heart of flesh to keep His instructions. (11:18-20) They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.
3) When He extends mercy and forgives… He will spare His people SO THAT people will realize their sins. By the examples of the His people, other nations who do not know God will know that He is the Lord. (12:15-16)
“They will know that I am the Lord, when I disperse them among the nations and scatter them through the countries. But I will spare a few of them from the sword, famine and plague, so that in the nations where they go they may acknowledge all their detestable practices. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
4) When He keeps His promises… Whatever He says will come to pass. (12:25-28) But I the Lord will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, you rebellious people, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, the Israelites are saying, ‘The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.’ “Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”
5) When He prevails against those who lie and lead people astray with false security; false hope; false peace (13:9,16) My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.
God exiled the Israelites. Yet He promised to bring them back. God kept His word. Today, Israel is a nation. One day, all Jews will return to their own country. God alone enables us to obey him. By His grace, we are called to be his people and He is our God. By His mercy, He empowers us with a heart of flesh to love him with all our being.
