WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14
Scripture: Ezekiel 13:17-19

Ezekiel 13:17-19 tells us the primary issue that made prophets unable to subdue wickedness was that they did not pass the test of integrity. In verse 19 God said, “And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread…” He was addressing prophets changing their message in order to gain money enough to eat. But that had major consequences. Verse 19 continues showing us that delivering compromised Word kills people who should not die and saves people that should not live. Compromised Word kills saints that should not die and extends the life of evil-doers who should not live. The purpose of judgment is to save. Sin causes a breach in the hedge and if the perpetrators refuse to turn, judgment on them means saving both the righteous and the potential harvest. God has to have ministers who are 100% committed to speaking what He says, even if it means they starve. They have to be willing to speak even if it means they will be stoned. The prophets get rebuked in verses 32-33 for strengthening the hands of the wicked so they do not turn from their wickedness to save their life. If the prophets had brought the fear of God to the wicked, the wicked would have turned and it could have saved their life. Disobedient prophets, by their foolishness, open the door to destruction. Judgment saves – it saved both the innocent and those who turn. Are we willing to pay the price to pray when we are led?