METHODIST DAILY REFLECTION FOR 14TH SEPTEMBER, 2026 - GOD'S JUDGMENT AND MERCY

METHODIST DAILY REFLECTION FOR TODAY MONDAY, 14TH SEPTEMBER, 2026 - GOD'S JUDGMENT AND MERCY

DATE: MONDAY, 14TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

THEME: GOD'S JUDGMENT AND MERCY

PASSAGE: EZEKIEL 20:14-24

14 But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

15 Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;

16 Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.

17 Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.

18 But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:

19 I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;

20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.

21 Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.

22 Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.

23 I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;

24 Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.

MESSAGE:

God's judgment can be described as a divine evaluation of people's actions, beliefs, and character, leading to punishment. It is also a reward from God to a rebellious child, while mercy is a manifestation of God's love and forgiveness of sins towards His people.

The children of the fathers who died during the forty years in the wilderness also rebelled against the Lord (Exodus 34:12-17). The people did not do what God had commanded their fathers; they polluted God's Sabbaths by sacrificing unto false gods. They also polluted the Sabbaths rather than making them holy.

Israel worshipped Baal-peor (god) and the anger of the Lord was kindled against them (Numbers 25:2-3). God killed twenty-four thousands (24,000) children of Israel that day (Numbers 25:11).

The Lord removed His Hand of judgment against the rebellious Israelites to keep accomplishing His good Name, so that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight He had brought them forth.

No matter the sins you had committed, the mercy of God is always available for you, if you God is ready to take away His Hand of judgment from you if you are ready to repent and serve Him. The point here is that though God is always merciful and caring for those who obey His statutes, He can also be ferocious to those who refuse to heed His word.

"Come now" says Isaiah 1:18-19: "Let us reason together says the LORD, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be made white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool".

God says: "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy," God is calling you today to come unto Him; His mercy is sure

MEMORY VERSE:

"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do evil. Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, and plead for the widow." Isaiah 1:16-17

HYMN: MHB 335 (8.5.8.5. and refrain.) PASS me not, o gentle Saviour.

1. PASS me not, O gentle Saviour,

Hear my humble cry;

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

Ref: Saviour! Saviour!

Hear my humble cry,

And while others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

2. Let me at a throne of mercy

Find a sweet relief;

Kneeling there In deep contrition,

Help my unbelief.

3. Trusting only In Thy merit,

Would I seek Thy face;

Heal my wounded, broken spirit,

Save me by Thy grace.

4. Thou the spring of all my comfort,

More than life to me,

Whom have I on earth beside Thee?

Whom in heaven but Thee?

PRAYER

Merciful God, have mercy on me, cleanse me from all unrighteousness and make me Your faithful Child and evangelist, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

READ:

DAY: Ezekiel 32-33

NIGHT: Ezekiel 34