God Can Do Whatever He Wants: Lessons from Ezekiel on Holiness, Judgment, and Restoration

God can do whatever He wants. This simple yet profound statement reminds us of God's sovereignty and power over all creation. The book of Ezekiel powerfully illustrates this truth through themes of holiness, faithfulness, and God's presence, while calling us to repentance and faithful living.

Who Was Ezekiel and What Was His Context?

Ezekiel was a priest who was exiled to Babylon during the second exile of the Israelites. Instead of beginning his priestly service at age 30 in the temple as tradition required, he found himself in captivity by the banks of a canal in Babylon. There, surrounded by sin, idolatry, false leadership, moral confusion, injustice, and spiritual ignorance, God revealed Himself to Ezekiel through profound symbolic visions.

These visions included the famous valley of dry bones (referenced in the worship song "Rattle"), the four living creatures (cherubim) with four faces (man, lion, ox, and eagle), and other powerful imagery that demonstrated God's holiness and sovereignty.

What Does God's Holiness Mean for Us Today?

In Ezekiel 1:26-28, we see a description of God's throne and His glory that is awe-inspiring. When Ezekiel saw this vision, he fell face down on the ground—the only appropriate response to God's holiness.

God's holiness means:

 

 

• He is perfectly pure and set apart

 

 

• His presence demands reverence and awe

 

 

• We should respond with humility and obedience

 

 

• We must approach Him with worship, prayer, and respect

 

This holiness isn't just an abstract concept—it's a call to action. Just as Moses removed his sandals at the burning bush and Isaiah cried "woe is me" in God's presence, we too must recognize God's holiness and respond appropriately.

How Does God's Sovereignty Impact Our Daily Lives?

The book of Ezekiel teaches us that "God is sovereign over all nations and circumstances, even when we feel powerless." This means:

 

 

• God has supreme authority over everything

 

 

• Nothing happens by random chance

 

 

• God directs all according to His will

 

 

• There is purpose even in difficult circumstances

 

Have you ever felt helpless? We all have. But God's sovereignty reminds us that even in our weakest moments, He remains in control. This doesn't mean God causes bad things to happen—often these result from human choices—but it does mean He provides a way of escape through Jesus Christ.

This sovereignty brings comfort and trust in the midst of challenges. It helps us find meaning in suffering and remain steadfast in our faith, knowing God's purposes are greater than our temporary struggles.

Why Should We Respect God's Standards in a Society That Normalizes Sin?

Today's society, through media and marketing, pushes an illusion of perfection that none of us can achieve. The Bible clearly states that "none of us are righteous, no, not one." This push for perfection fuels unhealthy comparison and creates false identities.

As followers of Christ, we're called to something higher than having the best possessions or appearance. We must:

 

 

• Respect God's standards even when society says sinful behavior is acceptable

 

 

• Be humble rather than proud

 

 

• Guard our hearts against worldly influences

 

 

• Walk in righteousness

 

 

• Be bold in standing for truth

 

Holiness requires righteous living and justice in our daily actions. It's not just about personal piety but about how we treat others and stand for what's right.

How Should Christians Live with Integrity in Everyday Life?

Living with integrity means doing everything as unto the Lord:

 

 

• If your job is sweeping floors, do it excellently as if for God

 

 

• Be on time and work diligently

 

 

• Avoid complaining and gossiping

 

 

• Show patience in traffic and everyday situations

 

 

• Treat others with respect and kindness

 

This integrity isn't just about following rules—it's about being a witness. If you want to be a soul winner for the Kingdom of God, one of the most powerful testimonies is how you conduct yourself at work, in traffic, and in everyday interactions.

What Does True Repentance Look Like?

In Ezekiel 18:30-32, God calls His people to repentance: "Repent! Turn away from all your offenses... Get a new heart and a new spirit... For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!"

True repentance involves:

 

 

• Recognizing sin in our lives

 

 

• Acknowledging when we act wrongly

 

 

• Expressing genuine regret and sorrow

 

 

• Examining our hearts for hidden sin

 

 

• Confessing our sins to God

 

 

• Seeking accountability through family, church, and friendships

 

God's judgment is just, but it's also an act of mercy designed to bring people to repentance. God doesn't want us to die but to live!

Life Application

As we reflect on Ezekiel's message of holiness, judgment, and restoration, let's challenge ourselves to live differently this week:

 

 

• Take time each day to acknowledge God's holiness through prayer and worship, not just asking for things but expressing reverence.

 

 

 

• When you feel helpless or anxious about circumstances beyond your control, remind yourself of God's sovereignty with the declaration: "My God can do whatever He wants."

 

 

 

• Identify one area where you've been conforming to the world's standards rather than God's, and make a specific commitment to change.

 

 

 

• Examine your work ethic and daily interactions. Are you working and treating others as if you're doing it for the Lord?

 

 

 

• Ask yourself: What idols have taken priority in my life? What do I need to repent of today?

 

 

Remember, God doesn't want any of us to die. That's why He sent His Son. He wants us to turn back and live! This week, let's pursue holiness, trust in God's sovereignty, and respond to His call for repentance.