When We Need to Be Held Up

O. T. #1898  "When We Need to Be Held Up"

March 10, 2021

Ezekiel 21

LET IT GLOW

Do you feel cast down today? Even when we falter on this journey through life or fall into sin, God will never let go of our hand. I need this assurance today.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand. (Ps. 37:23-24)

In the Hebrew language, upholdeth refers to take hold of; bear up; establish.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

The word uphold means to sustain, keep fast, to help maintain.

Jesus will establish us so we can stand firm again, take hold of us, and bear us up when we feel discouraged and down. It is Jesus' hand that holds onto us, not the other way around. He is ready to strengthen us, help us, and sustain us. So when we have fear and are dismayed (bewildered, turn, look away), He is still God and is still with us. When someone says some harsh things about me to me, then I look down, but God tells me not too. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

LET IT GROW

In this chapter, there are three messages about the judgments that would come upon Jerusalem, dealing with a sword:

1. The sword of the Lord (verses 1-7)
2. The sharpened sword (verses 8-17)
3. The sword of Nebuchadnezzar (verses 18-22)

One commentary said that God is the swordsman and Babylon and its king is His sword.

God was going to draw His sword out of His sheath to destroy the righteous and wicked people of Jerusalem. How does He describe this sword?

• sharpened,
• polished,
• ready for action,
• not returned in the sheath until God's task is accomplished.

How will the people react when it comes true (Babylon attacks Jerusalem)? Verse 7 tells us the boldest heart will melt with fear, hands will be feeble as strength disappears, their spirit will faint, strong knees will be weak as water. It is coming on its way.

Folks, we have a choice when opposition and fear comes to us believers. We can listen to God and be strengthened or become weak, faint hearted.

LET IT GO

Please strengthen Your children today, Heavenly Father.

You know each one's struggles and opposition.

Bear us up and maintain us in faith by Your righteous right hand.

Grow us stronger in Your love, faith, and our obedience.

Don't let us fall into despair, for You are in charge, not evil.